v^.^  ^  r.<;>. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  {MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


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2.0 

1.8 


Hi  1^ 


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1.4 

1.6 

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Photographic 

Sdences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 
Microfiche 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  image&  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


j      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  rastaurie  et/ou  pelliculAe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  giographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
RellA  avec  d'autres  documents 


r~7    Tight  bi.idin?  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 


D 


n 


along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 

distorsion  le  I  )ng  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  la  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  itait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6x6  filmies. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires; 


L'Institut  a  njcrofilmi  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  it6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  unique  .  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sent  indiqu6s  ci-dcssous. 


n 

D 

0 

D 

0 
n 

n 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restauries  et/ou  pelliculies 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolories,  tacheties  ou  piquies 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ddtach^es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

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Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplimentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
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ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  peiure, 
etc.,  ont  it6  filmies  6  nouveau  de  fapon  6 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Thfl 
tot 


Th« 
pes 
oft 
fllrr 


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beg 
the 
slor 
oth( 
first 
slor 
or  II 


The 
shal 
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whi 

Mai 
diffi 
enti 
begi 
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met 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  fiimi  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

i"*-  " 

Z2X 

26X 

30X 

y 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

The  copy  ffilmad  her*  has  baen  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarotity  of: 

Douglas  Library 
Quaan's  Univacsity 

Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  consldaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
off  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacifications. 


Original  coplas  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baglnning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impras- 
slon.  or  tha  back  covar  whan  approprlata.  All 
othar  original  coplas  ara  filmad  baglnning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impras- 
slon,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  Illustratad  imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — »-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ara  filmad 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaira  fiimA  fut  reprodult  grice  A  la 
g^nAroaitA  da; 

Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 

Les  Imagas  sulvantas  ont  AtA  reproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nattet*  de  I'exemplaire  film«,  et  en 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fllmaga. 

Les  exemplairas  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  ImprimAe  sont  fllmAs  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAre  paga  qui  comporte  une  emprelnte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'illustratlon,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  aalon  le  cas.  Tous  las  autras  exemplairas 
originaux  sont  filmte  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  emprelnte 
dimpression  ou  d'illustratlon  et  en  terminant  par 
la  darnlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
emprelnte. 

Un  des  symbc  es  suivants  appara?tra  sur  la 
darnlire  imag  i  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
cas:  la  symbi  ie  -^  signiffie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbols  V  signiffie  "FIN". 

Les  cartas,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
ffiimAs  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  ast  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seul  ciichA,  il  est  ffilmA  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  an  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'imagas  nAcessalra.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrant  la  mAthode. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

OI 


FOl 


lVY  a 


NAVl 


COLLECTIOM 


OF  THE 


P 


[OFFICIAL  ACCOUNTS, 

IN  DETAIL,  OF  ALL  THE 

BATTLES 

FOUGHT  BY  SEA  A^B  LAND, 

BETWEE\  THE 

lvy  and  army  of  the  u>^jted  states, 

AND  THE     • 

NAVY  AND  ARMY  OF  GREAT  BRITAIN, 


.    BY  H  A.  FAY. 

Late  Capt.  m  the  Corps  of  ITT^  ArtiUtritts. 


NEW- YORK  : 

PRij\rTEi)  Br  E.  cc^-MA^), 

1817. 


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SouTUESN  District  op  New-York,  h$. 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  tweM^-nintk  dm/  qf  April,  in 
the  forty-first  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  UnUed  States  of  America, 
H.  A.  Fay,  of  the  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  qfa  book, 
the  right  mhereqfhe  claims  as  atUhoravd  proprietor,  in  the  words  and  figure's 
fbttoning,  to  wit:  "  Cotlecfion  of  the  ofltcial  accounts,  in  detail,  of  all  the 
"  battles  fought,  by  sea  and  land,  between  the  navy  and  armj  of  the  United 
"  States,  and  the  navy  and  army  of  Great  Britain,  durine  the  years  1812,  13, 
"  14,  and  15.  By  H.  A.  Fay,  late  Capt.  in  the  corps  of  U.  S.  Artillerists."— 
In  conformity  to  the  Act  ofCongreu  t^the  United  States,  entitled  "  An  Act 
for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  qfMaps,'  Charts^ 
and  Books  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  time 
therein  mentioned."  And  alto  to  an  act,  entitled  "  an  Act,  supplementary  to 
an  Act,  erUitled  an  Act  for  the  encouragement  qf  Learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  qf  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  qjf  such 
copies,  during  the  tim^s  therein  mentioned,  and  extending  the  ben^s  thereqf 
to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

THERON  RUDD, 
Clerk  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-Tork. 


"•t" -^Ti, 


PREFACE. 


Whether  the  reader  approved,  or  disapproved  of  the 
causes,  conduct,  and  issue  of  the  late  war,  is  not  so  mate- 
nai  at  present— as  it  is,  that  he  should  have  it  in  his  pow« 
er,  for  a  very  moderate  sum,  to  preserve,  for  his  own  and 
his  children  s  use,  the  verj  skeleton  aud  soul  of  the  histo- 
ry ol  the  war,  bj  this  record  of  the  most  extraordinary 
actions  ever  fought;  nor  is  it  conceived,  that  any  man, 
with  American  feehngs,  can  object  to  a  collection  of  this 
_    kind.  f 

I  It  was  no  part  of  my  object  to  write  a  history:  this 
K  should  not  be  attempted  but  by  a  Marshal,  Clintoiv, 
t  KAMSAY,  or  other  eminent  writer,  who  could,  without 
prejudice  or  partiahty,  state  the  whole  grounds  of  the 
1.  ^?r-r^r  ™^""^r  '»  which  it  was  conducted— the  events 
L  which  happened  between  the  actions  herein  recorded, 
I  with  the  political  and  other  effects  which  the  war  itself 
produced  on  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

1  his,  therefore,  is  only  a  collection  of  the  «  Official 
Accounts,  m  detail,  of  all  the  battles  fought,  by  sea  and 
land,  during  the  late  war,  as  given  by  the  otf;cer  whd 
commanded  in  each  action,  or,  (in  case  of  his  death,)  by 
the  next  m  command.  M 

Nor  did  I  think  proper  to  add  a  single  comment  of  my 
own— choosing  rather  to  leave  the  reader  to  make  his 
own  remarks,  and  form  his  own  opinion,  from  a  simple 
statement  of  facts,  as  given  to  the  people  by  those  whose 
duty  and  whose  honor  were  deeply  concerned  in  giviW 
correct  statements ;  nor  is  it  proper  (as  some  have^onel 
^to  alter  the  style  of  these  communications,  not  even  in  a 
Lsingieword;  because,  from  the  composition  itself,  much 
k-may  be  seen  of  the  character  of  the  writers. 


15JJ043 


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I  am  happy,  however,  in  this  opportunity,  to  state  my 
belief,  tnat  the  actions,  herein  detailed,  are  reported  with 
less  partiality  tiian  were  ever  a  like  number  of  actions  by 
any  otiier  nation ;  but  this  only  shews  my  opinion  of  Ame- 
ncan  otiiceis,  compared  with  others. 

It  would  be  ver^  satislactory  to  have  a  genuine  collec. 
tion,  of  similar  events,  during  our  revolutionary  war— the 
^^e^ieral  result  has  been  stated  by  Ramsay  and  Gordon- 
but,  I  believe,  there  never  has  been  collected  a  detailed 
account  of  the  action*  fought— hence  the  names  of  those 
(especially  subalterns)  who  distinguished  themselves,  have 
not  been  made  kown,  except  in  very  extraordinary  cases; 
and  It  IS  one  prime  object,  in  publishing-  this  collection,  to 
do  juslice  to  nlU  ^fevtry  trradt,  that  their  names  may  be 
always  remembered  by  the  American  people. 

Besides,  a  eo>f,p/ef€  history  of  the  war  will  form  a  work, 
which  will  be  beyond  the  means  of  the  majority  of  the 
people  to  purchase.  This  collection  was  put  low,  with 
a  view  of  obviating  that  objection,  and  placing  it  within 
the  means  of  almost  every  man;  and,  if  I  may  be  allowed 
to  recommend  a  book  to  be  used  in  our  schools,!  know  of 
none  better  calculated  to  keep  alive  the  true  national 
jietimrs,  than  the  one  here  presented. 

Instead  of  publishing  in  duodecimo  form,  as  at  first  pro- 
posed. It  was  thourrht  advisable  to  make  it  an  octavo,  with 
a  larger  type  and  a  much  fairer  page— the  cost,  to  me,  is 
more;  but,  if  the  work  has  a  tendency  (as  I  believe  it 
will)  to  disseminate,  and  keep  alive  the  national  feeling, 
a  mam  object  is  answered.  The  collection  was  made  for 
my  own  use,  as  a  soldier,  without  reference  to,  or  inten- 
tion  ol  publication-,1  wish  it  may  prove  useful  to  others. 

H.  A.  FAY. 


■'^****' 


"••ytf^^- 


,/ 


INDEX. 


:M 


Actions  fought  at  Detroit,  Fort  Mdgs,  and  within  their 

vicinity. 

Battle  of  Brownsto^rn        -  •  -  . 

Crcneral  Hull's  Surrender  -  .  .  , 

Block's  Acoount  of  Hull's  Surrender 
Captain  Z.  Taylor's  Defence  of  Fort  Harrison 
Colonel  [itissell  against  the  Indians  -  .        . 

General  Hopkins  si^uinst  the  Indians 
Captain  Heaid's  Defeat,  by  the  Ind!!)ns 
Defent  of  (ien.  Winchester        -  .  .  _ 

Further  p»rti'  ulars  of  Win'hestor's  Defeat 
General  Harrison's  Account  of  an  Attai-k  upon  Fort 

Meigs        --..-. 
Second  L«'3te  •,  on  the  same  subject 
Colonel  Dudle^v's  Defeat         .  -  _  . 

Croghan's  Defence  of  Sandusky  -  .  _ 

Declar  tion  of  War  by  the  Six  Nations 
Fort  Maiden  taken        ..... 
Defeat  of  Gen.  Proctor        .... 
Treaty  with  the  Indians  at  Detroit 
Gener  1  Harrison's  Detailed  Report  of  the  Defeat  of 

Gen.  Proctor        -  .  .  .  . 

Captain  Holmes,  on  the  ri?er  De  French    - 


PAH. 

9 
£5 
26 
29 
«8 
M 
65 
73 
75 

88 

90 

92 

117 

119 
127 

128 
lb. 

133 

178 


Actions  fought  on  the  Niagara,  at  Sackefs  Harbor,  and 

their  vicinity. 
Battle  of  Queenstown        -  .  .  .  5$ 

Attack  upon  Fort  Niagara       -  .  .  .         gg 


6 


PiCK. 

61 


,     K 


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II 


Winding  up  of  Ocn.  Smydi's  Affairs 

Captui-e  ol  two  BiitUli  armed  vesHcIs,  on  the  Niamra 

sti-alt,  bv  Capf.  Elliotl,  and  others        -       '''""^™ 

Capture  of  York,  U.  Can  da 

Terms  of  Capitulai  ion  (York) 

Loss  ol'  the  Knevay,  in  the  above  Capture 

Captui*  of  Fort  George  (U.  C.) 

Pi-oceedings,  after  the  ca|>tuie  of  Fort  Georce    -      '     . 
Difencc  of  Sacket's  Harbor        -        .  . 

Capture  of  Generals  Chandler  and  Winder      "     . 
Movements  of  Gen.  Lewis,  subsequent  to  the  capture  of 

Chandler  and  Winder        -  .  . 

Colonel  Boerstler'a  Suri-endep        -  .     ' 

Mjg'or  Chapin's  Escape 

S'ott and  Chauneey's  Expedition  to  Burlington  Bay  (li.  CO  116 
Commodore  Chauncey  and  Sir  James  Yoo-skirmisliing  ^  ill 
lioss  of  Fort  Niagara        ...  ^ 

Destiuetion  of  Buffaloe  .  .       "     .       " 

Colonel  Mitehell,  at  Oswego        -  -     '      .     ' 

Major  Appling,  at  Sandy  Creek        -  .        "   . 

Battle  at  Chippewa,  July,  181*  .  .         * 

General  Brown's  Detailed  Report  of  the  above       - 
After  movements  of  Gen.  Brown's  army 
General  Brown's  Disappointment,  in  not  having  the  fleet 
on  Lake  Ontario  to  assist  him        ... 

Battle  of  Bridgew-iter        -  .  . 

Detailed  Report  of  the  Battle  of  Bridgewater 

Battle  at  Fort  Er  io  (U.  C.)  . 

Sortie  at  Fort  Erie        -        . 

Detailed  Report  of  the  Sortie  at  Fort  Erie  "       - 

Affair  near  Chippewa        -  .  . 

General  Izard's  Aceount  of  the  above  Affair 


67 
81 
8S 

«6 

9S 

100 

101 

104 

105 
ilfl 
114 


165 

i«r 

18S 

191 
209 
21f 
216 


air 

218 
219 

228 
240 
254 
264 
^   2«fi 


Actions  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  Plattsburgh,  and  their 

vicinity. 
Affair  at  St.  Regis 

Colonel  Claik's  Expedition,  and  success       - 
General  Wilkinson's  Proclamation 
Action  at  Williamsburgh  (U.  C) 
Coppcspondence  between  Generals  WUkinson  and  Hamo- 
ton,  on  the  proposed  junction  of  their  armies        - 
Oeneral  Hampton's  Affair  at  Chatauguay 
Wilkinson,  at  La  CoUc  Mai  . 


40 
142 
145 
146 


151 
155 
181 


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101 

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- 

105 

• 

112 

. 

114 

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0  116 

iniHhing 

126 

- 

165 

- 

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- 

188 

• 

191 

- 

S09 

- 

21< 

. 

216 

the  fleet 

- 

217 

• 

218 

- 

219 

■ 

228 

- 

240 

- 

254 

- 

204 

■■ 

265 

I,  and  their 

. 

40 

- 

142 

- 

145 

-  ■ 

146 

lamp- 

- 

151 

155 

- 

181 

llh  General  Order        -  -  .  . 

:  Defence  of  Fort  Moreau 
General  Macomb's  Detailed  Account  of  the  above 


Naval  Actions. 

i^aptnre  of  the  Sloop  of  war  Alert,  by  the  Essex 
L  Guerrier,  by  Iho  Constitution 

pommodore  Chuun(  cy,  on  Lake  Ontario 
-pture  of  the  Frolic,  by  the  Wasp 

Macedonian,  by  the  United  States      - 
Java,  by  the  Constitution 
Peacock,  by  the  Hornet 
American  Gun-boats,  with  the  Frigate  Junon 
;i08s  of  the  Frigate  Chesapeake 
Capture  of  the  English  Schooner,  Lady  Murray 
a  British  Tender        -  .        ^  . 

Gun-bnat,  on  Lake  Ontario 
the  Dominico  ... 

,  Boxer  -  .  .  _ 

^ommodore  Perry's  Victory,  on  Lake  Erie 
Loss  of  the  Argus— British  Aecount 
fe-capture  of  the  Julia  and  Growler 
Commodore  Chauncey  and  Sir  James  L.  Yeo— the  for- 
mer  having  the  latter  in  his  power 

Capture  of  the  British  Brig  Morgiana 
Epervler  -  . 

iramodore  Barney's  Flotilla,  with  Enemy's  Frimites " 
Restriction  ofa  Gun-boat,  on  Lake  Ontario  "^f 
laptain  Porter's  Cruise,  and  Loss  of  the  Essex 
Baptain  Hillyar's  Complimentary  Letter 

^:^7.1°Z^"d.X^er"-:"^^  at  P«.,„..M. 
i'Donough's  Victory        ... 
lis  Detailed  Report    -  .  "        '    ' 

|aptui'e  of  the  Reindeer 

further  Account  of  the  Wasp's  Cruise 
Privateer  General  Armstrong 

^lntu^^L^    »*'"••     .        •'yan  English  Gentleman 
capture  of  the  Penguin,  by  the  Hornet        . 

Cyane  and  Levant,  by  the  Constitution 


PAOV. 

184 
236 
2«i 


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ib. 

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77 
109 
110 
112 

lis 

115 

120 

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122 

127 
129 

ISO 
14i 

185 

192 

193 

194 

209 

210 

235 

236 

237 

259 

266 

269 

274 

287 

288 


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'AM. 

CoIomI  Newman*!  Expedition  against  the  Indians  is 

Capture  of  the  FlantaKenet'H  Riirge,  &o.         •            «  115 

General  CofTce  -.tgaiiisi  the  Indianit            •           >  143 

>iVhite            do.                 .             '  .            .  159 

General  Floyd's  Victory  over  tlie  Creeki             -  161 

Claiborne  against  the  Indians            -            •  168 

Flovd's  Victory  over  tlie  Creeks ,            -  ib, 

Jackson  against  the  Creeks    ...  170 

do.               do.            ...  179 

Colonel  Pearson  against  the  Indians    >           •           •  219 

Affair  of  Bladensburgh        ....  225 

Attack  on  Baltimore        ....  247 

Colonel  Armistead's  Defence  of  Fort  M'Henry          .  '  251 

Defence  of  Fort  Bowyer        -            -            .        .  259 

Account  of  the  Action  at  Fort  Bowyer    -        >            .  262 

Destruction  of  the  Pirates  of  Barratarii*        .            •  263 

Action  of  the  2Sd  December,  near  New-Orleans            •  277 

General  Jackson's  Detailed  Report            -            •  278 

Further  Proceedings,  Di^cember  29     >            •            .  281 

Battle  of  January  8th,  near  Orleans        .            -        .  ib. 

Detailed  Report  of  the  above  action            •            •  284 

Decampment  of  the  £nemy        .            >           <.        -  28(T 


Miscellaneous. 
Rupture  with* Algiers — cause  of       - 
Genf>ral  Miller's  demand  upon  Sir  J.  B.  Warren 
•  O'Neale,  a  prisoner)  and  Sir  J.  B*^  reply 


for 


40 


8f 


.# 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS. 


BATTLE  OF  BROWNSTOWN. 


[I  am  indebted  for  the  following  account  of  the  battle  of 
I  Brownstown,  to  Major  James  Dalliba,  who  was  in  the 
action,  and  who  has  published  it  under  the  inspection 
oi  C^eneralJames  Miller,  who  commanded  the  Ameri- 
can lorces  in  said  action. 
lA  part  of  Major  Dalliba's  account  is  omitted  here,  because 
I    It  more  properlj.  beluiig.   to   the  historian  to   record. 

,  'i'HIE    fUBLlSHUR. 

The  object  of  publishing  the  following  narrative,  is,  to 
Relate  a  simple  story  of  facta,  which  are  not  eenerillv 
known  ;  and  which,  I  think,  cannot  but  be  interestiW  to 
those  who  take  the  trouble  to  read  it. 

I  have  often  conversed  with  gentlemen  of  intelligence 
on  the  subject  of  the  campaign  of  the  North  Western  Ar- 
ny,  under  the  command  of  General  Hull,  in   1812,  who 
appeared  to  possess  but  very  little  correct  information  re- 
lative to  the  transactions  of  that  army. 

LI""  ""♦If  "^^l?'^  ^^?V*  ^*  *^^  *'*°«'  *at  the  impres- 
pion  on  the  public  mind,  that  such  an  event  ever  occurred, 
18  nearly  lost.    The  distance  of  the  scene  from  the  popu- 
lous parts  of  the  country,  and  the  interruption  to  them,  by 
the  enemy,  confined  the  intelUgence  of  the  engagement  t J 
I  the  army,  and  to  the  few  inhabitants  of  the  territory  of 


'■y 


i 


10 

Michigan,  until  it  was  brought  out  by  the  parolled  prijon- 
ers  of  war,  after  the  fatal  surrender  of  the  army  and  of 
the  territory,  to  the  enemy,  by  general  Hull. 

The  little  spark  of  intelligence,  though  brilliant,  WM 
then  so  completely  enveloped  in  the  general  darkiiesi 
that  pervaded  the  United  States,  that  it  shone  but  faintly, 
and  the  impressions  it  made  on  the  minds  of  the  people 
were  superficial. 

The  eommunicatlon  with  the  state  of  Ohio  (and  the 
tFnited  States  army  at  Detroit  depended  for  provisions 
upon  its  being  kept  open,)  was  completely  blocked  up  ; 
the  provisions  for  the  supply  of  HulFs  army,  under  a  con- 
voy of  200  men,  commar  led  by  Captain  Brush  of  the 
Ohio  Volunteers,  were  waiting  at  the  River  Raism,  36 
miles  from  Detroit ;  Major  Van  Home  had  been  dispatch- 
ed a  day  or  two  before,  with  a  small  command,  to  the  assist- 
ance of  Captain  Brush,  but  was  defeated  and  driven  back. 

General  Hull  now  saw  it  necessary  to  turn  his  serious 
attention  to  that  point ;  and  to  send  a  force  to  open  this 
communication,  vhich  was  fully  competent  to  the  task, 
both  to  enable  the  supplies  to  pass  unmolested,  and  to 
counteract  the  unfavorable  irtipressions  made  on  the  minds 
of  the  troops  by  the  defeat  ofMajor  Van  Home. 

He  accordingly  detached  from  the  army  a  part  of  the 
regular  troops,  tne  Michigan  legion  and  some  riflemen, 
and  dragoons  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  making  in  the  whole 
about  600  men,  under  the  command  of  ILieutenant  Colonel 
James  Millerv^f  the  4th  regiment  U.  S.  Infantry,  for  this 

object.  a     1 

The  4th  regiment,  except  one  company  left  at  Sand- 
wich, to  garrison  a  small  fort,  built  by  order  of  General 
ikull ;  a  small  detachment  of  tlie  Ist  Infantry,  and  a 
smaU  number  of  Artillerists  from  Cantain  Dyson's  compa- 
ny stationed  in  fort  Detroit,  formed  the  regular  troops  of 
the  detachment,  amountmg  to  about  300  in  number.  The 
Michigan  legion  consisted  of  about  60  men,  mostly  native 
Frenchmen  of  that  territory,  commanded  by  Captain  De 
Cant.  The  cavalry  consisted  of  about  40  dragoons  and 
mounted  spies,  conimanded  by  Captain  Sloan,  of  the  corps 
of  volunteer  cavalry.    The  riflemen  amounted  to  about 


*\ 


11 

200,  commanded  by  Major  Morrison,  of  the  Ohio  volun- 
teers, makin?  the  600  men. 

Colonel  Miiler  obtained  permission  from  General  Hull  to 
take  two  field  pieces  with  the  detachment,  one  6  pounder 
and  one  51-2  inch  howitzer,  with  their  appendages  and  am- 
munition.   The  first  was  manned  by  a  squad  of  artillerists 
from  Captain  Dyson's  company,  detached  from  fort  De- 
troit, and  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Jonathan  Eastman ; 
1  that  corps  and  the  second  was  manned  by  a  aquad  picked 
I  from  the  first  Infantry  (the  General  refusing  to  detach 
from  the  1st  any  more  Artillerists)  and  was  placed  under 
the  command  of  Lieutenant  James  Dalliba,  of  the  regi- 
ment of  Artillerists,  then  serving  as  master  of  ordnance 
to  General  Hull's  army.     Captam  Brevoort,  of  the  2d  U. 
S.  Infantry,  then  commanding  the  transports  on  the  lakes ; 
and  Captain  Abraham  P.  Hi3l,  of  the  13th  Infantry,  son 
and  aid  to  the  general,  volunteered  their  services  as  aids 
de  camp  to  Colonel  Miller.    Lieutenant  John  L.  East- 
man, adjutant  of  the  4th  Infantry,  served  as  brigade 
major.     Captain  Maxwell,  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  a  revo- 
lutionary officer,  and  who  had  served  in  the  Indian  war  un- 
der General  Wayne  and  others,  was  chosen  to  lead  the 
spies,  to  reconnoitre  the  country  a-head  of  the  detachment, 
and  point  out  the  rout  of  march  :  he  was  assisted  by  sev- 
eral volunteer  citizens  from  Detroit,  well  acquaintedf  with 
the  country. 

The  detachment  having  drawn  two  day's  provisions, 
bemg  organized,  and  every  thing  prepared  for  the  march, 
was  paraded  in  line  in  order  of  march,  as  to  the  station  of 
corps,  m  the  main  street  m  the  town  of  Detroit,  on  the  8th 
of  August,  1812,  at  5  o'clock  P.  M.  Colonel  MUler  then 
rode  to  the  centre,  and  in  front  of  the  line,  addressed 
the  troops  in  the  following  words  :  «  Soldiers,  we  are  go- 
mg  to  meet  the  enemy,  and  to  beat  them !  The  reverses 
of  the  5th  must  be  repaired  !  The  biood  of  your  brethren, 
spilt  by  savage  hands,  on  that  day,  must  be  avenged  by 
their  chastisement  and  by  the  chastisement  of  the  enemy 
who  employs  them,  more  savage  than  they!  I  shall  lead 
you— I  trust  that  no  man  will  disgrace  himself  or  me— 
every  man  who  is  seen  to  leave  the  ranks,  to  give  way  or 


k 


.«.«»Mpi  i.-«». 


I 


,C- 


t\ 


\fl 


12 

fall  back,  without  orders,  shall  instantly  be  put  to  death. 
The  officers  are  hereby  charged  with  the  execution  of 
this  order.  My  brave  soldiers !  you  have  once  faced  the 
enemy  in  a  hard  conflict,  and  beaten  them,  and  gained  glo- 
ry to  yourselves  and  honor  to  your  countrj' !  Let  this  op- 
portunity be  improved  to  add  another  victory  to  that  of 
Tippacanoe,  and  new  glory  to  that  which  you  gained  on 
the  Wabash.  Soldiers,  if  there  are  any  now  in  the  ranks 
of  this  detachment,  who  are  afraid  to  meet  the  enemy, 
they  are  now  permitted  to  fall  out  and  stay  behind—" 
At  which  the  words  «  I'll  not  stay,"  ran  through  the  ranks, 
with  a  "•  huzza." 

After  which  the  line  was  wheeled  by  sections  to  the 
ri^ht  into  open  column,  when  Colonel  Miller  took  his  po- 
rtion at  the  head,  and  ordered  the  detachment  to  march. 
The  whole  moved  off  in  order  and  in  high  spirits,  and  dis- 
covered those  ardent  feelings  to  meet  the  conflict,  which 
inspired  a  tull  confidence  in  the  remaining  army  and  anx- 
ious citizens,  that  they  would  be  successhil. 

The  head  of  the  column  arrived  at  the  river  Rouge,  six 
miles  from  Detroit,  about  sun  set.  There  being  no  bridge, 
and  the  water  very  deep,  the  detachments  were  conveyed 
over  m  scows  ;  there  being  but  two  provided,  which  would 
not  carry  more  than  50  men  each ;  it  was  10  o'clock  at 
night  before  the  troops,  artillery,  horses  and  waggons, 
were  all  crossed  over.  The  weather  being  somewhat 
rainy  and  very  dark,  it  was  determined  to  encamp  there 
for  the  night.  The  guards  and  piquets  having  been  sta- 
tioned, and  every  arrangement  completed  for  Uie  security 
of  the  camp  ;  the  men  were  permitted  to  lie  down  upon 
their  arms  and  rest  till  day  light.  The  tents  and  all  other 
dispensable  baggage,  was  left  at  Detroit.  The  troops  had 
no  other  covering  than  some  rails  which  they  took  from 
the  fences,  to  screen  them  from  the  weather.  Cooks  of 
messes  were  directed  to  cook  the  provisions  during  the 
night  so  as  to  be  ready  to  march  at  day  break.  Accor- 
dingly the  troops  were  paraded,  and  every  thing  prepared 
to  move  m  that  order,  which  appeared  the  best  calculated 
to  receive  or  make  an  attack,  when  and  wherever  the  ene- 
my might  be  met.    The  following  is  the  order  in  which 


^musqut 
A^ar  gu 
rwrofth 
The 
,  and  or 
lowed  \ 


)Ut  to  death. 

execution  of 

ice  faced  the 

d  gamed  glo- 

Let  this  op- 

j  to  that  of 

u  gained  on 

in  the  ranks 

the  enemy, 

^  behind — " 

^h  the  ranks, 

tions  Xo  the 
took  his  po- 
Qt  to  march, 
irits,  and  dis- 
nfiict,  which 
my  and  anx- 

r  Rouge,  six 
ng  no  Bridge, 
jre  conveyed 
which  would 
9  o'clock  at 
ad  waggons, 
g  somewhat 
icamp  there 
ng  been  sta- 
'  the  security 

down  upon 
tndall  other 
le  troops  had 
f  took  from 
'.    Cooks  of 

during  the 
ak.  Accor- 
ing  prepared 
st  calculated 
Jver  the  ene- 
ler  in  which 


13 

U  troops  marched  :  Captain  Maxwell,  with  his  mounted 
^les  went  a-head,  as  a  van  guard,  at  such  a  distance  as  he 
Idged  prudent  An  advance  guard,  under  Captain  Snel- 
ij5,  of  the  fourth  Infantry,  of  40  men  of  his*^company, 
irched  mime  of  smgle  rank,  200  yards  in  advance  of 
id  covenn^  the  hea dk  of  the  columns.     The  musquetrv 

^  and  marched  by  files  by  the  right  of  columns.     One 

i^rr    "^A  ^^*^^  ''^^^'^*  200  yards  distance 
u  each  other.     One  commanded  by  Major  Morrison 

cavli^'  Wt  ^^?  ^r  ^'  ^^*«  ^^-  --J"»t"«^ 

colnmn  7/  uf  S^P*f "  ^^^°'  "^^^^^^  »n  the  road, 

column  of  double  files  hy  the  rieht  of  column.     The 

d  of  this  column  kept  in  line  witS  the  heads  of  the  co! 

ans  of  musquetry  on  the  right  and  left.     Flank  guards 

hhl'nT  '^"^"°*'"J.""^  "^^"^^^^  ^7  singlefiles,  beaded 

inusquetry  and  at  the  <Estance  olf  80  yards  from   them 

r  ThP  nSm     '    "^  T'^^S  thecolumns  of  musquet- 
1     1  he  artillery  moved  m  the  road,  in  rear  of  the  clval- 
iand  onposite  the  centre  of  the  columns  of  musquetrv 
be    7  *^t.^"^"^"^ition  waggons,  the  ^.0^^^^^^^^ 

:  S    f  *r  'T^«''**"-    ^^'^^n^i  Miller  marched  a 
in  th'  *!,  '"^r"  i  '^"^^^^'  accompanied  by  4 

In  case  an  attack  was  made  in  frnnf  *»,«  « j  1 

gto  stand  till  thecoIunronSf™l*L^X3o":? 

wury  were  to  lorm  two  fines  to  the  front  •    thp  frnnf 

'  t^pt -rrts"  ""Arts  ^-s"*  *"  ^^- 


fi 


:?>„ 


14 

the  second  line  were  to  advance  and  form  respectively  on 
the  right  and  left  flanks  of  the  first  line.  If  the  first  line 
should  not  require  extending,  the  setond  Une  was  to  form  a 
corps  of  reserve.  The  right  and  left  flank  guards  were  to 
form  respectively  on  the  nght  and  left  flanks  of  the  front 
line.  Tne  artillery  and  cavalry  were  to  move  to  that 
point  by  order  of  the  commander  in  chief,  which  he  should 
think  proper  to  direct  The  rear  guard  was  to  protect 
the  waggons  and  stores.  If  an  attack  should  be  made  in 
rear,  the  Columns  were  to  form  lines  to  the  rear,  and 
march  upon  the  i  ear  guard  as  upon  the  front  and  so  of 
other  corps.  If  an  attack  should  be  made  on  either  flank, 
the  whole  were  to  halt  and  the  columns  face  to  the  ene- 
my ;  and  by  so  facing  they  would  already  be  formed  in 
two  lines ;  and  tihe  other  corps  would  form  as  before  di- 
rected. 

In  this  order  the  detachment  marched  from  the  en- 
campment near  the  river  Rouge,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th. 
They  proceeded  through  the  White  Settlement,  which  was 
about  five  miles,  and  entered  the  woods.  The  country,  from 
the  river  Rouge  to  Brownstown,  is  generally  flat,  and  lies 
a  little  above  the  surface  of  the  river  Detroit.  Indian  huts 
and  fields  are  interspersed  through  the  woods :  at  that  time 
the  fields  were:  covered  with  com,  which  was  grown  to  7 1 
and  8  feet  high.  The  first  woods  which  the  troops  entered 
was  about  one  mile  and  a  half  through.  When  the  advance  | 
guard  had  arrived  at  the  fartheredge  of  this  wood,  the  spies 
having  advanced  into  the  Indian  opening,  were  fired  upon 
by  a  party  of  about  ten  Indians,  who  were  on  horseback,  and 
had  concealed  themselves  behind  the  house  of  the  celebra- 
ted chief,  Walk-in-the-water.  The  spies  fell  back  :  a  citi- 
zen from  Detroit,  who  accompanied  them,  was  killed,  and 
fell  from  his  horse.  The  guard  under  captain  Snelling  ad- 
vanced quickly  towards  the  house,  at  sight  of  which,  the 
Indians  fled  without  receiving  much  injury  from  the  guard, 
who  fired  upon  them  as  they  were  uncovered  by  the  house, 
bearing  away  as  a  trophy,  the  citizen's  scalp  whom 
they  had  shot.  The  facility  with  which  the  scalp  was 
taken,  was  astonishing.  There  appeared  not  to  have 
been  time  for  the  Indian  to  have  reached  the  spot  wherel 


% 


I 


15 

the  man  feU,  before  the  guard  arrived  upon  the  same  spot, 
when  the  scalp  had  been  taken  off,  and  the  Indian  fied. 
When  the  firing  was  heaid  bv  the  columns,  the  order  was 
given  by  Colonel  Miller  to  "  form  the  Une  of  battle,"  which 
soon   ran  through    the  detachment,  and  was  executed 
promptly ;  but  as  the  Indians  had  fled,  the  firing  ceased, 
and  all  was  silent  for  a  few  moments.    The  spies  were  a- 
gain  sentforward,  but  soon  returned,  and  reported  that 
no  enemy  could  be  discovered.     The   troops  were  again 
formed  m  the  order  of  march  and  moved  forward  as  before 
The  firmness  with  which  Colonel  Miller  conducted  during 
thi8alarm,and  his  presence  of  mind,  gave  the  army  fresE 
courage,  and  increased  their  confidence  in  their  comman- 
der :  as  also,  the  promptness  and  order  with  which  the  line 
ol  battle  was  formed,  gave  him  reciprocal  confidence  in  his 
troops;  for  every  one  believed  that  the  enemy  had  met 
«iemm  force.     This  hanpened  about  9  o'clock  A.  M. 
The  march  was  contmuca  until  12,  without  much  further 
mterruption.     Some  flying  Indians  were  discovered  now 
and  then,  who  had  been  sent  out  by  the  enemy  to  watch 
the  movements  of  the  Americans,  and  to  give  Information 
of  their  approach  towards  Brownstown  f  where  the  ene- 
my,  as  appeared  afterwards,  then  lay  in  ambush  to  receive 
them.    He  had  crossed  over  from  Maiden,  and  taken  that 
position,  on  the  night  of  the  7th,  the  same  time  the  Ameri- 
can  detachment  crossed  from  Sandwich  to  Detroit :  which 
clearly  proved  that  he  had  intelligence  of  the  movement 
and  object  of  Colonel  Miller:  forSl  the  Indians,  and  XS^ 
fl«i65,  had  recrossed  to  Maiden,  afteif  the  defeat  of  Maior 
Van  Home,  to  celebrate  the  victory  end  present  the 
American  scalps  to  the  commanding  officer  of  that  fort. 
1  he  position  which  the  enemy  had  chosen,  lay  in  an  open 
l^r.S;^'r*^>*^^^^^'^»ty  of  a  rising  giund,  om- 
which  the  Americans  had  to  pass.      He  W  thro;n  up 
breastworks  of  trees,  logs,  &c.  behind  which  he  lay   con- 
cealed m  foree,  and  in  order  of  battle.    His  works  were 
thrown  up  in  form  of  a  eourtine  with  two  flanks.    The 
meoftheco«r/i«elyacro^^  and  perpendicu- 

of  about  120.    The  couriine  war  Kne3  with  British  regu- 


H  I 


\ue  troops,  two  deep,  of  the  41st  regiment  of  foot,  under 
the  command  of  Major  Muer,  of  that  regiment,  who  had 
long  been  in  command  at  Maiden.  The  flank  of  the  cour- 
iine,  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  American  left,  was  lined 
with  Canadian  militia  and  Indians,  commanded  by  Walk*- 
in-the-water  and  Marpot.  This  line  was  flanked  by  the 
river  Detroit.  Most  of  the  militia  were  dressed  and  pain- 
ted like  their  "  brethren  in  arms,"  the  savages.  The 
left  flank  of  the  courtine  was  lined  entirely  by  savages,  un- 
der the  command  of  the  celebrated  Indian  warrior  Tecum- 
seh,  of  the  Shawanoese  nation.  The  number  of  the  Brit- 
ish regulars  and  militia  amounted  to  about  300  :  about 
200  regulars.  The  Indians  amounted  to  450  ;  making 
the  enemy's  force  about  750  men. 

The  position  and  strength  of  the  enemy  were  entirely 
unknown  to  Colonel  Miller  and  to  the  army,  at  this  time. 

At  12  o'clock,  meridian,  the  detachment  arrived  at  a 
large  opening  which  contained  4  or  5  Indian  houses,  gar- 
dens and  orchards.  The  army  halted  to  take  some  re- 
freshment, and  to  bury  the  man  who  had  been  killed  ; 
where  they  lay  about  one  hour.  The  village  was  desert- 
ed, and  nothing  left  in  the  houses  of  conseauence. 

The  march  was  again  resumed  at  1  o'clock  P.  M.  and 
continued  without  interruption.  The  troops  marched 
over  the  ground  on  which  Major  Van  Home  had  been  de- 
feated four  days  before  ;  and  passed  the  dead  bodies  of 
several  of  the  slain,  and  some  dead  horses.  The  body  of 
captain  M'Cullock  lay  under  an  Indian  bark.  The  co- 
lumns having  arrived  at  the  oak  woods  near  Brownstown, 
at  half  past  three,  some  guns  were  heard  a-head  by  them. 
In  a  few  seconds  a  volley  was  heard  from  captain  Snellings 
advance  guard,  and  another  instantlv  returned  from  a 
great  number  of  pieces.  The  troops,  dv  this  time  com- 
pletely awake,  were  ordered  to  halt.  Colonel  Miller  rode 
towards  the  centre  at  full  speed,  halted,  and  with  a  firm 
voice,  ordered  the  columns  to  "  form  the  line  of  battle," 
which  was  executed  with  that  order,  promptness  and  zeal, 
which  he  had  expected :  after  the  first  voUies,  the  firing  be- 
came incessant  in  front.  Captain  SnelHng  stood  his  ground 
till  the  lines  were  formed,  and  moved  to  his  relief.    "He| 


17 

stood  within  pistol  shot  of  the  enemy»8  breastworks,  in  a 
shower  of  bafis  from  the  regular  troops  in  his  front,  who 

shewed  the^^elves  after  thlfirstfire,*and  set  up  the  I„. 
d.an  relh  When  the  first  line  appeared  before  tL  breast- 
work,  they  received  the  fire  of  the  whole  front  anda  nart 
of  the  flanks:  at  this  instant  Colonel  Miller  dTscovfred 
that  the  enemy  outflanked  him,  when  the  second  line  and 
f^^SY^l^'^'^^^'o^S^tupon  the  flanks  of  the  front 
l.ne,  and  extended  to  meet  the  whole  line  of  the  enemy. 
The  savages,  m  unison  with  the  British  troops,  set  up  a 

firin*^  Ar'^'/'"'^^""^'^*  ^"^"^^-     Theincssant 
crlr!.W  nf  •  T-r  7".^'^«r?'ng  to  the  flanks  :  from  the 
ZTl^A  ^^!"^'\'^"^»  Pieces,  Tt  clianged  to  alternate  vol- 
lies ;  and  at  length  to  one  continue!  sound  :  and,  while 
every  thing  seemed  hushed  amidst  the  wavering  rilUhe 
discharge  of  the  SIX  pounde:-  burst  upon   the  fa^  The 
Americans  stood  !-At  this  instant  6olonel  Miller  was 
thrown  from  his  horse  which  took  fright  at  the  discharge 
oftheartillery,.  he  was  supposed  tolbe  shot,  those  nefr 
him  flew  to  his  aid.     The  savages  who  saw  him  fall  sprang 
over  the  breastwork  to  take  Kis  scalp,  but  were  Ef 
back.     Colonel  Miller  instantk  remou^nted  and   LurneS 
to  continue  his  orders.     The  fire  from  the  Indians  who 
were  screened  by  their  breastworks,  was  deadly.      The 
soldiers  saw  the  advantage  it  gave  them,  and  Colinel  Mil- 
er,  throwmg  his  eye  along  tTie  line,  discovered  one   or 
two,  edging  to  place  themselves  behind  a  tree.     He   saw 
the  instant  must  be  improved,  and  ordered  «  charo-e  '» 
which  instantly  ran  through  the  line  :  the  men  whom  he 
saw  edging,  with  every  other,  brought  down  their  pieces, 
struckupa  huzza  !  and  marched  directly  into  the  freast- 

^Z)t:  ^^^  f  ""i^  ?^  "t^  ^""^  ^^«°^  *^«  six-pounder, 
and  the  approach  of  the  bayonet,  caused  the  British  line 
to  yield,  and  then  to  break,  and  the  troops  fled  in  disor- 

t^i  •  ^  "^l*^?  ^^^  f?^  '"f  *^"*  *^^  '"^'^ns  and  militia 
on  their  right  flank,  being  charged  in  their  work,  by  the 
Michigan  fegion,  under  Captain  De  Cant,  and  a  part  of 
the  Ohio  riflemen,  tummg  this  flank  by  the  river,  fled  in 
confiision.  Tecumseh,  on  the  enemy's  left  flank,  stood 
longer  ;  some  of  the  Indians  under  his  command,  near  the 


"( 


1 


18 

extremity  of  the  liiie,lmd  jumped  over  the  breast-works, 
in  the  full  assurance  of  victory  :  they  were  driven  back, 
by  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  Tecumseh  endeavoured  to 
outflank  the  American  line,  and  turn  their  ri^ht ;  but  from 
the  skill  and  gallantry  of  the  officers,  and  farmness  of  the 
men  on  that  flank,  he  was  foiled  in  every  attempt,  and 
was  finally  forced  to  fall  back,  and  take  new  positions,  and 
fight  on  the  retreat.  The  British  and  Indians  on  their 
right  flank,  fled  directly  down  the  river,  and  were  pursued 
by  Colonel  Miller,  with  that  part  of  his  troops  which  had 
opposed  them ;  and  Tecumseh,  with  his  Indians,  fled  di- 
rectly from  the  river,  westwardly,  into  the  wilderness,  and 
were  pursued  by  that  part  of  the  troops  which  had  oppo- 
sed them,  overtaking  them  who  were  wounded,  and  other- 
wise unable  to  escape. 

After  the  British  had  retreated  about  one  mile,  they 
came  into  an  opening,  of  about  half  a  mile  in  diameter  ; 
here  they  endeavoured  to  form  again,  but  on  the  precipitate 
approach  of  the  Americans,  they  again  broke  and  fled  into 
the  woods  down  the  river.  They  were  pursued  to  the 
edge  of  these  woods,  when  Colonel  Miller  received  infor- 
mation from  Major  Van  Home,  whom  he  had  left  in  com- 
mand of  the  right  flank,  that  Tecumseh  had  retreated 
westwardly,  that  he  successively  took  new  positions  with 
his  Indians,  that  they  were  still  fighting,  and  that  it  was 
still  doubtful  how  the  conflict  would  finally  terminate  in 
that  quarter.  On  the  receipt  of  this  information,  Colonel 
Miller  ordered  the  troops  under  his  immediate  command, 
to  halt,  and  form  the  line.  He  informed  the  officers,  that 
it  would  not  do  to  pursue  the  enemy  any  farther,  until  he 
had  heard  again  from  the  right  flank.  That  as  Te- 
cumseh had  retreated  in  another  direction,  the  army  was 
now  divided,  and  the  two  divisions,  already  out  of  hearing 
of  each  other's  muscjuetry.  That  if  Tecumseh  was  likely 
to  overpower  that  division,  he  must  send  back  a  reinforce- 
ment to  their  relief,  or  the  Indians  would  otherwise  im- 
mediately advance  upon  the  field  of  battle,  and  massacre 
the  wounded,  destroy  the  rear  guard,  and  take  the 
ammunition  and  stores;  and  finally  fall  upon  his  rear. 

Information  was  at  length  brought  that  Tecumseh  had 


19 

finally  fled,  and  that  the  troops  were  returning  to  join 
that  division  as  soon  as  possible. 

Colonel  Miller  immediately  ordered  the  troops  to 
march  in  further  pursuit  of  the  British.  They  entered 
the  woods,  and  the  cavalry  moved  a-head  at  full  speed. 
When  they  arrived  through  these  woods,  which  was  a- 
bouthalf  a  mile,  they  came  upon  the  beach  of  Lake  Erie, 
and  discovered  the  enemy  all  in  boats,  steering  to- 
wards Maiden,  and  out  of  reach  of  their  shot.  They  ha  d 
concealed  their  boats  at  this  point,  when  they  came  over, 
for  this  purpose,  if  they  should  be  defeated.  This  circum- 
stance however  could  not  have  been  known  to  Colonel 
Miller  before.  He  now  ordered  the  troops  to  return  upon 
the  field  from  whence  thev  had  last  marched,  which  was 
done  ;  and  on  their  arrival,  they  were  joined  by  the  other 
division  which  had  returned  from  the  pursuit  of  Tecumseh 
and  his  Indians. 

The  cause  is  now  shewn,  which  has  not  been  generally 
understood  heretofore,  why  the  British  were  not  all  cap- 
tured, when  they  had  been  so  totally  defeated. 

The  troops  were  then  formed  in  line,  fronting  the  field 
of  battle  ;  when  Colonel  Miller  rode  in  front  of  the  cen- 
tre, and  addressed  them  in  the  following  words  : 

«  My  brave  fellows  !  you  have  done  well  !  every  man 
has  done  his  duty.     I  give  you  my  hearty  thanks  for  your 
conduct  on  this  day ;  you   have  gained  my  highest  es- 
teem ;  you  have  gained  fresh  honor  to  yourselves,  and  to 
the  American  arms:  your  fellow  soldiers  in  arms  will 
love  you,  and  your  country  will  reward  you.     You  will  re- 
turn to  the  field  of  battle  to  collect  those  who  have  glo- 
riously fallen ;  your  friendly  attentions  to  your  wounded 
companions  is  required."    After  which,  detachments  were 
sent  out  with  waggons,  to  search  the  woods,  and  collect  all 
the  wounded  and  dead,  and  to  bring  them  to  the   "round 
then  occupied  by  the  troops.     After  this  was  completed, 
all  the  Indian  houses  were  prepared,  amounting  to  3  or  4, 
and  the  wounded  moved  into  them,  as  it  began  to  rain,  and 
the  surgeons  were  industriously  employed  with  them,  du- 
ring the  whole  night.     The  troops  then  encamped  in  or- 
der of  battle,  about  dusk,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  fronting 


.:    «i 


20 

the  woods,  forming  three  sides  of  a  parallelogram,  the 
river  forming  the  other  side. 

The  time  from  the  attack  on  the  van  guard,  to  the  time 
of  forming  the  line  on  the  Indian  fields,  after  the  pursuit 
Was  finally  ended,  was  two  and  a  half  hours.  During  this 
sharp  conflict,  the  conduct  of  each  individual,  officer  and 
soldier,  was  so  uniformly  and  strictly  military,  that  the 
commander  was  scarcely  able  to  make  distinctions  in  his 
brief  and  modest  official  report  to  General  Hull.  The 
physical  powers  of  almost  every  man,  were  called  to  action, 
and  severely  tried.  The  names  of  some  officers  only,  will 
be  mentioned,  whose  conduct  was,  from  concommitant  cir- 
cumstances, most  deeply  impressed  on  the  mind  of  the 
writer.  In  doing  this,  nowever,  he  wishes  to  be  distinctly 
understood,  that  the  conduct  of  many  pthers,  was  equally 
meritorious.  As  he  writes  entirely  from  recollection,  the 
impossibility  at  this  time,  of  giving  the  names,  and  much 
more,  the  actions  of  every  individual,  will  readily  be  con- 
ceived. Major  Van  Home,  who  had  the  mortification  to 
be  defeated  on  nearly  the  same  ground,  on  the  5th,  had 
sought  and  obtaineci  a  command  under  Colonel  Miller. 
He  behaved  during  the  whole  action,  in  a  gallant  and  sol- 
dierly manner.  Major  Morrison,  of  the  Ohio  volunteers, 
also  obtained  a  command  in  the  detachment,  of  whose  me- 
ritorious conduct.  Colonel  Miller  always  spoke  with  the 
greatest  warmth  of  feeling ;  his  horse  was  shot  under  him 
at  nearly  the  same  time  Colonel  Miller  was  dismounted, 
being  at  that  moment  near  together.  Ijieutenant  Johnson, 
of  the  Michigan  dragoons,  (a  small  number  of  which  corps, 
formed  a  part  of  the  cavalry,)  behaved  in  a  most  gallant 
manner — he  had  his  horse  shot  under  him.  At  the  mo- 
ment the  charge  was  ordered,  being  near  Colonel  Miller, 
he  discovered  one  of  his  men  shrink  from  the  attack,  at 
which  he  presented  his  pistol  to  his  breast,  and  was  on 
the  point  of  blowing  him  through,  when  Colonel  Miller 
desired  him  not  to  kill  him,  as  he  c6nsidered  the  battle 
was  going  in  their  favor.  Captain  De  Cant,  and  his  En- 
sign M'Comb,  of  the  Michigan  legion,  behaved  in  a  man- 
ner, which  would  have  done  honor  to  veterans,  particular- 
ly, when  charging  the  Indians  in  their  works,  on  the  river 


21 

flank  J  Captain  Dc  Cant  was  the  first  man,  who  jumped 
the  breast  work  at  that  point,  thereby   encouraging  his 
men  to  follow  him.    Captain  Brown,  of  the  Ohio  volun- 
teers, who  was  on  the  flank  opposed  to  Tecumseh,  with 
his  comoany,  fought  hard  and  stubborn  !  his  conduct  was 
admired  by  Colonel  Miller— as  was  the  conduct  of  all  the 
volunteers,  both  officers  and  men  on  that  flank.     Captain 
Darnel  Baker,  of  the  first  regiment  U.  S.  Infantry,  had  re- 
quested and  obtained  a  command ;  he  was  on  the  flank 
opposed  to  the  Indians  under  Tecumseh.     His  gallantry, 
^     }.f.  ^^^*^*  °^  *^'s  experience,  contributed  greatly  to 
the  foiling  of  Tecumseh,  in  his  manceuvreing  to  turn  that 
"a"'fo/'t"e  American  line.     He  was  shot  through  the 
thigh,  in  the  warmest  part   of  the  engagement,  but  did 
,  not  quit  his  command,  till  the  enemy  finally  fled,  nor  the 
I  ground  until  the  wounded  were   all  brought  off.     Lieu- 
tenant Eastman,  with  the  six  pounder,  did  good  execution, 
and  contributed  greatly  to  the  defeat  of  the  British  troops. 
1  he  fourth  regiment  behaved  generally  in   that  chival- 
rous manner,  which  ought  to  render  the  individuals   then 
composing  it,  the  objects  of  their  country's   warmest  af- 
fections and  unceasing  patronage. 

\  These  sentiments,  it  is  believed,  must  be  acknowledged 
by  all  those  who  are  acq^uainted  with  their  conduct,  fa- 
tigues and  hardships,  during  this,  and  the  preceding  cam- 
paign on  the  Wabash.  They  had  been  for  eighteen 
months,  almost  continually  traversing  those  wild  regions 
of  the  north  west,  where  perils  and  dangers  awaited  Siem 
through  every  succeeding  day  and  night,  where  they  were 
necessarily  deprived  of  almost  all  the  enjoyments  and 
comforts  of  fife,  and  during  some  portion  of  the  time, 
of  the  necessary  means  of  subsistence.  They  had  march- 
ed during  successive  weeks,  in  mud  and  water,  and  du- 
nng  successive  days,  without  having  dried   their  feet 

.7 . , ^  "?^  (*""?*** *^"""g  ^^'s  *»«»e,  two  of  the  sever- 
est battles  that  had  ever  been  fought  under  the   govern- 
ment of  the  Umted  States,  larger  numbers  had  b^en  en- 
I  gaged,  but  an  equal  number  had  never  fought  more  des- 
I  perate.     Ihese  battles  were  as  much  more  perilous  than 
I  usual,  as  the  enemy  were  more  terrible :  capture  was 
massacre,  and  defeat  was  annihilation. 


22 


The  conduct  of  Colonel  Miller,  it  is  believed,  will  be 
correctly  appreciated  from  the  foregoing  narrative  of 
factfi,  by  his  countrymen.  Encomium  would  be  insipid. 
Captain  Snclling,  of  the  advance  guard,  behaved  in  tnat 
heroic  manner  that  can  never  be  excelled  :  of  his  com- 
mand of  for  vV  men,  more  than  twenty  were  killed  and 
wounded,  in  the  retreat  of  the  enemy,  he  pursued  on 
horseback  (the  remnant  of  his  guard  falling  into  the  line,) 
bare-headed,  having  lost  his  hat  in  the  engagement.  It  is 
believ  d  it  was  shot  away.  Captains  Fuller  and  Burton  ; 
Lieutenants  Peters,  Hawkins,  Way,  Eastman,  Ager,  Peck- 
ham  and  Larabee,  of  the  fourth,  all  conducted  in  ihe  most 
gallant  manner;  as  also  did  Captain  Whistler,  junior; 
Lieutenant  Stansbury,  Ensigns  WTiistler,  M'Cabe,  Cibley 
and  Phillips,  of  the  first  U.  fe.  regiment  of  infantry,  who 
served  in  the  fourth  on  that  tour. 

Lieutenant  Peters  was  wounded  in  the  early  part  of  the 
engagement,  having  been  shot  through  the  leg,  the  same, 
and  a  little  below  that,  which  had  been  shot  through  at  the 
battle  of  Tippacanoe  :  Ensign  Whistler  was  also  wounded. 
Capt.  Brenvort,  aid  to  Col.  Miller,  behaved  with  that  cool 
and  daring  intrepidity,  which  gained  him  the  admiration 
of  the  army.  Captain  Hull  was  active,  and  verj  useful 
in  carrying  the  orders  of  Colonel  Miller.  Lientenant 
Charles  Larabee  of  the  fourth,  was  also  wounded  ;  he 
was  shot  through  the  left  arm,  a  little  below  the  shoulder, 
the  bone  of  which  was  broken  and  split,  and  which  was 
amputated  a  few  days  afterwards.  (Jn  his  falling  to  the 
rear,  which  he  was  persuaded  to  do,  he  found  the  officer 
and  squad  with  the  howitzer  in  difficulty.  The  position 
of  this  piece  on  the  march,  being  in  rear  of  the  six 
pounder,  and  its  ammunition  waggon,  and  considerably  in 
the  rear  of  the  centre  of  the  columns,  when  the  attack 
was  made  in  front,  it  had  not  ascended  the  risinp-  ground 
on  which  the  lines  formed.  The  enemy  not  uciug  -en 
from  that  position,  and  their  situation,  and  th  rr^wxc  of 
the  attack,  being  unknown  ;  the  piece  was  uninuueied  and 
prepared  for  action,  and  awaited  the  orders  of  the  com- 
mander in  chief,  agreeably  to  his  instructions.  Orders 
soon  came  by  an  aid.  Captain  Hull,  to  advance  the  piece 


23 

to  the  front,  inline  with  the  infantry;  in  conncquence  of  hav- 
ing to  ascend  the  rising  ground,  the  boII   bting   soft,  and 
the  road  somewhat  obstructed  by  logs  and  roots,   it  was 
necessary  again  to  hmber  the  piece,  in  order  to  advance  it 
to  Its  intended  nosition.     At  this  moment,  the  horses   be- 
ing Inghtened  by  the  firing,  grew  frantic  and  unmanage- 
able, and  in  endeavouring  to  bring  the  limbers  to  tlie  piece, 
they  were  run  against  a  tree,  and  so  twisted  around   it  as 
to  break  them  down.     They  were  thrown  aside,  and  an 
attempt  madtao  advance  the  piece  to  the   front   by  the 
men.  With  their  d,ag  ropes.     In  consequence   of  the  ob- 
struc  I.. nsboforo  mentioned,  the  men  with  all  their  exer- 
tions, Wf).  r  able   to  advance  It   but  slowly  up    the  nsinc 
^rraund,  with  the  officer  at  the  drag  rop^s.     fn  this  situa- 
tion, tugging  ud  the  hill.  Lieutenant  Larabee    met  them, 
whenhesawtheirtrouble,  forgetting  that  he  was   hurt, 
he  sprang  to  the  piece,  clinched  the  drag  rope  with   his 
right  hand,  and  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm  of  feeling 
and  language,  he  assisted  in  bringing  the  piece  to  the  fron* 
with  his  left  arm  swinging  from  its  shattered  point,  when 
he  again  returned  to  the  rear.     This  misfortune  of  the 
howitzer,  deprived  Colonel  Miller  of  its  use,  during  the 
time  the  British  troops  stood  their  ground.     It  could   not 
be  brought  m  front  of  the  line  so  as  to  fire  on   the  onemv, 
without  injuring  the  Americans,  till  the  moment  the  ene- 
my 8  line  broke  as  there  was  but  ten  men  attached  to  it. 
1  hat  number  bemff  its  complement  in  action  only,  could 
not  advance  it,  under  those  circumstances,  in  time.     The 
conduct  of  the  officer  commanding  the  piece,  however 
was  applauded,  and  his  misfortune   solaced  by  Colonel 
Miller.     In  this  action  eighteen   Americans   were  killed, 
and  sixty  three  wounded,  making  in  killed  and   wounded, 
eighty  one  ;  about  one  man  in  seven  who  were  engaged  • 
not  one  man  was  captured.     The  loss  of  the  enemy  was* 
ascertained  to  be,  of  Indians  killed  and  wounded,  one  hun- 
di-ed  and  two,  more  than  one  half  of  that  number  were 
lelt  dead  on  the  field,  and  believed  to  be  from  the   best 
inlormation,  of  whites,  fifty  eight,  total,  one  hundred  and 
sixty :  a  few  whites  were  taken  prisoners.      The  British 
had  brought  over  horses  and  sleds  to  carry  off  their  kil- 


24 

Jed  and  wounded,  and  consequently  they  were  mostly  ta- 
ken to  Maiden.  The  writer  believes  the  above  stated 
number  of  killed  and  wounded,  of  the  white  enemy,  to  be 
too  small,  as  he  saw  in  the  hospitals  at  Maiden,  a  few 
weeks  afterwards,  while  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  on  his  way 
to  Quebec,  a  great  number  of  convalescent  men:  many  had 
died  :  among  whom  were  one  or  two  officers  of  the  41st. 
regiment.  He  also  ascertained  that  Major  Muer,  Te- 
cumseh.  Blue  Jacket,  and  other  commanders,  were  woun- 
ded. 

Some  time  in  the  evening  of  the  ninth,  Captain  Max- 
well returned  with  his  spies,  having  been  sent  forward  to 
the  village  of  Br  owns  town,  and  reported,  that  the  village 
was  abandoned,  and  that  no  enemy  could  be  discovered. 
Early  next  morning,  August  10th,  detachments  were  sent 
out  by  Colonel  Miller,  to  scour  the  woods  in  search  of 
one  man  who  was  ascertained  to  be  still  missing  j  he  was, 
however,  found  dead.  While  the  men  were  ranging  over 
the  woods,  one  of  them  was  shot  dead.     A  smoke  of  a 

Eiece  was  discovered  at  a  distance,  rising  from  the  ground, 
y  the  party— they  approached  the  spot,  and  beheld  an 
Indian  lying  on  the  ground  wounded,  and  unable  to  stand — 
one  arm  and  one  leg  were  broken — he  had  lain  there  du- 
ring the  night,  by  his  piece,  which  was  loaded  when  he  fell. 
The  cool  deliberation  with  which  he  died,  provtd  the  na- 
tive fortitude  of  the  savage  to  meet  death  when  resis- 
tance is  useless.  Unwilling  to  endure  his  pains  longer, 
and  die  by  degrees,  he  determined  to  die  by  the  hand  of 
his  enemies,  and  Co  sell  his  life  to  them,  as  dear  as  possi- 
ble. He  summoned  together  the  little  strength  which 
remained,  and  so  steadily  levelled  his  rifle  at  the  approach- 
ing American,  as  to  put  the  ball  through  his  heart. 

A  singular  occurrence  happened  also,  as  to  the  death 
of  an  Indian,  who  was  killed  the  day  before  during  the 
battle,  and  near  the  close  of  it  :~An  officer  of  the  fourth  re- 
giment had  observed  two  or  three  balls  strike  close  to  him, 
and  apparently  from  a  quarter  where  no  enemy  could  be 
discovered,  he  told  one  of  his  men  to  search  for  the  Indian 
whom  he  supposed  concealed,  and  on  watching  for  the 
discharge,  he  discovered  it  to  be  overhead — hft  looked 


■#' 


;fM, 


25 

into  the  ten  of  a  tree,  and  saw  an  Indian  loading  his  ri- 
fle ;  he  took  a  position  to  fire  at  the  savage,  who  discovered 
It,  and  made  ready  to  fire  at  the  soldier,  but  the  soldier 
being  a  little  too  quick  for  him,  put  a  ball  through  him, 
and  he. came  tumblmg  down  from  the  tree  like  a  bear. 
»  11  ^^\^b®»ng  all  collected,  on  the  tenth,  about  10 
o  clock  A.  M.  were  buried  under  an  Indian  house,  in  one 
grave,  and  the  house  burned  down,  to  conceal  from  the 
savages  the  spot  where  they  lay. 

At  sun  rise  the  march  was  resumed,  and  at  12  o'clock 
on  the  12th  of  August,  the  detachment  re-entered  the 
town  of  Detroit,  covered  with  mud,  from  foot  to  head, 
Aeir  clothes  not  having  been  dried  in  two  and  a  half  days. 
The  sun  now  cheered  them  with  its  influence,  they  march- 
ed through  the  street  to  the  encampment,  to  the  tune  of 
the  soldier's  return,  and  closed  with  yankee  doodle. 
They  were  met  by  their  brother  soldiers  and  citizens, 
with  all  that  sympathy  and  heart  felt  joy,  which  consti- 
tutes the  soldier's  reward,  for  his  hard  earned  victory. 


r 


f 


SURRENDER  OF  HULL'S  ARMY. 

Head  Quarters,  Detroit  August  16,  1812. 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

It  is  with  pain  and  anxiety,  that  Brig.  General  Hull 
announces  to  the  North  West  Army,  that  he  has  been 
comp-lled  from  a  sense  of  duty,  to  agree  to  the  follow- 
ing articles  of  Capitulation. 

Camp  at  Detroit,  Aug.  16,  1812 
Capitulation  for  the  surrender  of  Fort  Detroit,  en- 
tered into  between  Major  General  Brock,  commanding 
His  Britannic  Majesty's  forces,  on  the  one  part,  and 
Brig.  Gen.  Hull,  commanding  the  N.  Western  Army 
of  the  United  States,  on  the  other  part. 

1.;/.  Fort  Detroit,  with  all  the  troops,  regulars  as  well 
as  mihtia,  will  be  hnmediately  surrendered  to  the 
British  forces  under  the  command  of    Major  Gen- 


f 


L 


26 

eral  Brock,  and  will  be  considered  as  prisoners  oi 
war,  with  the  exception  of  such  of  the  militia  of  Mi- 
chigan Territory  who  have  not  joined  the  army. 

2nd.  All  the  public  stores,  arms,  and  all  public  do- 
cuments, including  every  thing  of  a  public  nature, 
will  be  immediately  given  up. 

3d.  Private  persons  and  property  of  every  descrip- 
tion, will  be  respected. 

4th.  His  Excellency  Brig.  General  Hull,  having  ex- 
pressed a  desire  that  a  detachment  from  the  state  of 
Ohio,  on  its  way  to  join  his  army,  as  well  as  one  sent 
from  Fort  Detroit,  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
M' Arthur,  should  be  included  in  the  above  capitula- 
tion, it  is  accordingly  agreed  to ;  it  is  however  to  be 
understood,  that  such  part  of  the  Ohio  Militia,  as  have 
not  joined  the  army,  w  ill  be  permitted  to  return  to 
their  homes,  on  condition  that  they  will  not  serve  du- 
ring the  war  ;  their  arms,  however,  will  be  delivered 
up,  if  belonging  to  the  public. 

5th.  The  garrison  will  march  out  at  the  hour  of  12 
o'clock  this  day,  and  the  British  forces  will  take  im- 
mediate possession  of  the  fort. 

J.  M'DONEL,  Lt.  Col.  Militia,  P.  A.  D.  C. 
J.  B.  GLEGG,  Miyor,  A.  D.  D. 
JAS.  MILLER,  Lt.  Col.  5th  U.  S.  Infantry. 
£.  BRUSH,  Col.  1st.  Regt.  Michigan  Militia. 

Approved. 

W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg.  U.  S.  Army. 
ISAAC  BROCK,  Major  GeneriO. 

OFFICIAL. 

From  General  Brock  to  Sir  George  Prevost— dated 
Detroit,  16  August,  1812. 

Sir,  I  hasten  to  apprise  your  Excellency  of  the  cap- 
ture of  this  very  important  post ;  2500  troops  have 
this  day  surrendered  prisoners  of  war,  and  about  25 
pieces  of  ordnance  have  been  taken  without  the  sacri- 
fice of  a  drop  of  British  blood.  I  had  not  more  than 
700  troops  including  militia,  and  about  600  Indians,  to 


;« 


1  ■  t- 


IK 


ft" 


87 

accomplish  tiiis  service.     When  I  detail  mv  good  for- 
tune, your  Excellency  mil  be  asKmished. 

m    rr „    t-  ^^A AC  BROCK,  Major  General. 

To  His  Ex.  Lieut.  Gen.  Sir  GEO.  PRE  VOST. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  SLOOP  OF  WAR  ALERT. 

Copy  of  a  letter  received  at  the  Navy  Department,  from  Captain  Por- 
ter, of  the  United  States  Frigate  Essex,  of  32  Guns. 

At  Sea,  August  17,1812. 

Sir,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  upon  tlie 
13th,  his  B.  M.  s!oop  of  war  Alert,  Captain  T.  L.  P. 
Laugharne,  ran  down  on  our  weather  quarter,  gave 
three  cheers  and  commenced  an  action,  (if  so  trifling 
a  skirmish  deserves  the  name,)  and  after  eight  minutes' 
firing,  struck  her  colours  with  7  feet  water  in  Iier  hold, 
much  cut  to  pieces,  and  3  men  wounded. 

I  need  not  inform  that  the  officers  and  crew  of  the 
Essex,  behaved  as  I  trust  all  Americans  will  in  such 
cases,  and  it  is  only  to  be  regretted  that  so  much  zeal 
and  activity  could  not  have  been  displayed  on  an  oc- 
casion that  would  have  done  them  more  honor ;  the 
Essex  has  not  received  the  slightest  injury.  The  Alert 
was  out  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the  Hornet ! 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

How.  P.  HAMILTON.  D.PORTER. 


revost — dated 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  GUERRIER. 

UnitedStates  Frigate  Constitution. 

off  Boston  Light,  August  30*.  18 12- 

Sir,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  19th 
inst.  at2P.  M.  bein§  in  lat  41,  42,  and  long.  55, 
48,  with  the  Constitution  under  my  command,  a  sail 
was  discovered  from  the  mast  head,  bearing  E.  by  8. 
or  S.  S.  E.  but  at  such  a  distance  we  could  not  tell 
what  she  was .;  all  sail  was  made  in  chase,  and  soon 


■t*    ".jtt*. 


;;  'f 


li. 


28 

found  we  come  up  with  her; at  3,  P.  M.  could  plainly 
see  that  she  was  a  ship,  on  the  starboard  tack,  under  easy 
sail,  close,  on  a  wind  ;  at  half  past  3,  P.  M.  made  her  out 
to  be  a  frigate  ;  continued  the  chase  until  we  were  with- 
in about  3  mile.?,  wiien  I  ordered  the  light  sails  taken  in, 
the  courses  hauled  up,  and  the  ship  cleared  for  action  ; 
at  this  time  the  chase  had  backed  her  main-top-sail  wait- 
ing for  us  to  come  down.     As  soon  as  the  Constitution 
was  ready  for  action,  I  bore  down  with  an  intention  to 
brin^  her  to  close  action   immediately  ;  but  on  our 
coming  within  gun  shot,  she  gave  us  a  broadside   and 
filled  away,  and  wore,  and  giving   us  a   broadside  on 
the  other  tack,  but  without  effect ;  her  shot  fell  short. 
She  continued  wearing  and  manoeuvring  for  about  three 
^[uarters  of  an  hour,  to  get  a  raking  position,  but   find- 
ing she  could  not,  she  bore  up  and  ran  under  her  topsails 
and  jib  with  the  wind  on  the  quarter.    I  immediately 
made  sail  to  bring  the  ship  up  with  her,   and  at  5  mi- 
nutes before  6  P.  M.  being  along  side  within  half  pistol 
shot,  we  commenced  a  heavy  fire   from  all  our  guns, 
double  shotted  with  round  and  grape,  and  so  well  di- 
rected were  tkey,  and  so  warmly  kept  up,  that  in  15 
minutes  her  mizen  mast  went  by  the  board,  and  her 
main  yard  in  the  slings,  and  the  hull  rigging  and  sails 
vet-y  much  torn  to  pieces  ;  the  fire  was  kept  up  with 
equal  warmth  for  15  minutes  longer,  when  her  main 
mast  went,  taking  with  it  every  spar  except  the  bow- 
sprit ;  on  seeing  this  we  ceased  firing,  so  that  in  thirty 
mmitesy  after  we  got  fairly  alongside  the  enemy,  she  sur- 
rendered, and  had  not  a  spar  standing,  and  her  hull  be- 
low and  above  water  so   shattered,  that  a  few  more 
broadsides  must  have  carried  her  down. 

After  informing  you  that  so  fine  a  ship  as  the  Guer- 
rier,  commanded  by  an  able  and  experienced  oflScer, 
had  been  tr)tally  dismasted,  and  otherwise  cut  to  pieces, 
so  as  to  make  her  not  worth  towing  into  port,  in  the 
short  space  of  thirty  minutes^  you  can  have  no  doubt 
cl  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
ship  s  company,  I  have  the  honor  to  command  ;  it  only 
remains  therefore  for  me  to  assure  you  that  they  all 
fought  with  great  bravery  ;  and  it  gives  me  great  plea- 


.\% 


A 


29 

sure  to  say,  that  from  the  smallest  boy  in  the  shin  to 
the  oldest  seaman,  not  a  Jock  of  fear  was  seen  thev 
all  went  into  action  giving  three  cheek  and  requ'estinff 
to  be  laKi  close  along  side  the  enemy.  EXsed  f 
have  the  honor  to  send  you  a  list  of  the  kS  L 
wounded  on  hoard  the  Constitution,  and  a  repo  t  of  the 
damage,  she  has  sustained,  also  a  list  of  killed  and 
wounded  on  board  the  enemy,  with  his  quarter  MU. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

„  ,         ,  ISAAC  HULL. 

r/,i^""^^^'"®^^"^  wounded  on  board  the  United 
,  States  Friaate  Constitution.  Isaac  Hull,  Esq   Captain 

in  th«  action  with  his  B.  M.  S.  Guerrier,  Jas.  H.  dS' 
I  Esq.  C  apt.  on  Ihe  19th  Aug,  1812.  J-'acies, 

^7/ct/--Lieut.  W.  S.  Brush,  and  6  seamen,  7 

JVounded^Lieut  Ch.  Morris,  and  6  seamen,        7 

Total  killed  and  wounded,        1 4 

[List  of  the  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Guerrier. 
A2//crf— Lieut.  Ready  and  38  others  39 

munded~.Cnpt.  Dacres  and  60  others  61 

I  otal  killed  and  wounded  in  the  Guerrier     1 00 

L  HULL,  Capt. 
I.  J.  CHEW,  Purser. 

|joK;il'''?^'"°"T*"S,^''^"«°S«  was  written  on  the  face  of  the 
«T^e^^r;f^''i';'*'^'^*''^^•*'•"^•°"«*°  the  abore  action  !!! 
Ll»„f  n    *^"*7'*'"'  i^  g"ns,  300  men,  will  be  happy  to  see  the  Presi- 

Ph!;£  T.T'*^'^  ^''^•^t"'  °"^^'''«  the  Hookfirany  other  lirge 
Frigate,  to  have  a  sociable  tete-a-tete."  '  ^ 

ATTACK  ON  FORT  HARRISON. 

\Letterfrom  Z.  Taylor,  commanding  Fort  Harrison,  (In.  Territory  \ 
I  to  General  Harrison.  ^'' 

Dated,  Port  Harrison  September  lOth,  1812. 

I,   ^]h  ^^-  Thursday  evening,  the  3dinst.  after  retreat 

beating,  four  guns  were  heard  to  fire  in  the  direction 

iwhere  two  young  men  (citizens  who  resided  heise  \ 

Iwere  making  hay,  about  400  yards  distant  from  the 


% 


i 


i 


'# 


30 

fort ;  I  was  immediately  impressed  with  an  idea  that 
they  were  killed  by  the  Indians,  as  the  Miamies  or 
Waes  had  that  day  informed  me,  that  the  Prophet's 
party  would  soon  be  here,  for  the  purpose  of  commen- 
cing hostilities ;  and  that  they  had  been  directed  to 
leave  this  ^ace,  which  they  were  about  to  do.  I  did 
not  think  it  prudent  to  send  out  at  that  late  hour  of 
the  night  to  see  what  become  of  them ;  and  their  not 
coming  in,  convinced  me  that  I  was  right  in  my  conjec- 
ture ;  1  waited  until  8  o'clock  next  morning,  when  I 
sent  out  a  corporal,  with  a  S'liall  party,  to  find  them,  if 
it  could  be  done  without  running  too  much  risque  of 
being  c^  raw  n  into  an  ambuscade;  he  soon  sent  back 
to  inform  me  that  he  had  found  them  both  killed,  and 
wished  to  know  my  further  orders ;  I  sent  the  cart  and 
oxen,  and  had  them  brought  in  and  buried;  they  had  been 
each  shot  with  two  balls,  scalped  and  cut  in  the  most 
shocking  manner  Late  in  the  evening  of  the  4th  inst. 
Joseph  Lenar,  and  between  30  and  40  Indians,  arrived 
from  Prophet's  town  with  a  white  flag,  among  whom 
were  about  10  women,  and  the  men  were  composed  of 
chiefs  of  the  different  tribes  that  compose  the  Prophet's 
party. 

A  Shawone  man,  that  spoke  good  English,  informed 
me  that  old  Lenar  intended  to  speak  to  me  next  mor- 
ning, and  try  to  get  something  to  eat ;  at  retreat  beat- 
ing, I  examined  the  men's  arms,  and  found  them  all  in 
good  cutler,  and  completed  their  cartridges  to  16  rounds 
per  man — as  I  had  not  been  able  to  mount  a  guard  of 
more  than  6  privates  and  two  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers, for  some  time  past,  and  sometimes  part  of  them 
every  other  day,  from  the  unhealthiness  of  the  com- 
pany, I  had  not  conceived  my  force  adequate  to  the 
defence  of  this  post,  should  it  be  vigourously  attack- 
ed, for  some  time  past ;  as  I  had  just  recovered  from 
a  very  severe  attack  of  the  fever,  I  was  not  able  to  be 
up  much  through  the  night — after  taptoo,  I  cautioned 
the  guards  to  t^  vigilant  and  ordered  one  of  the  non- 
commissioned officers,  (as  the  centinels  could  not  see 
every  part  of  the  garrison,)  to  walk  around  the  inside, 
during  the  whole  night,  to  prevent  the  Indians  taking 


•* 

#■ 


31 

any  advantage  of  us,  provided  they  had  any  intention 
ot  attacking  us.  About  eleven  o'clock  I  was  awakened 
by  the  firing  of  the  centinels  ;  I  sprang  up,  ran  out 
and  ordered  the  men  to  their  posts,  when  my  orderly 
Serjeant,  who  had  charge  of  the  block-house,  called  out 
that  the  Indians  bad    fired  the   lower  block-house, 
which  contained  the  property  of  the  contractor,  which 
was  deposited  in  the  lower  part,  the  upper  having  been 
assigned  to  a  corporal  and  10  privates,  as  an   alarm 
post ;  the  guns  had  began  to  fire  pretty  smartly  from 
both  sides— I  directed  the  buckets  to  be  got  ready,  and 
water  brought  from  the  well,  and  the  fire  extinguished 
immediately,  as  it  was  hardly  perceivable  at  that  time ; 
but  trom  debility,  or  some  other  cause,  the  men  were 
very  slow  m  executing  my  orders,  the  word  appeared 
to  throw  them  all  into  confusion  ;  and  by  the  time 
they  had  got  the  water,  and  broke  open  the  door,  the 
hre  had  communicated  to  a  quantity  of  whiskey ; 
and  in    spite  of  every  exertion    we    could    make 
use  ot,  m  less  than  a  moment,  it  ascended  to  the 
root,  and  baffled  every  eflTort  we  could  make  to  extin- 
guish it.    As  that  block-house  adjoined  the   barracks 
that  make  part  of  the  fortifications,  most  of  the  men 
immediately  gave  themselves  up  for  lost,  and  I  had 
the  greatest  difficulty  m  getting  any  of  my  orders  ex- 
ecuted, and  sir,  from  the  raging  of  the  fire,  the  yelling 
and  howling  of  several  hundred  Indians,  the  cries  of  9 
^T^t"  ^"**  children  who  had  taken  shelter  in  the  fort, 
and  the  desponding  of  so  many  of  the  men,  (which  was 
worse  than  alU  I  can  assure  you,  that  my  feelings  were 
unpleasant,  indeed  there  were  not  more  than  10  or  15 
men  able  to  do  a  great  deal,  the  others  being  either  sick 
or  convalescent,  and  to  add  to  our  misfortunes,  two  of 
the  stoutest  men  of  the  fort,  and  that  I  had  every  con- 
fidence in,  .jumped  the  picket  and  left  us.    But  my  me- 

sawby  throwing  otr  part  of  the  roof  that  joined  the 
block-house  that  was  on  fire,  and  keeping  the  end  per- 
fectly wet,  the  whole  row  of  buildings  might  be  saied, 
and  leave  only  an  entrance  of  18  or  20  feet  for  the  In- 
dians to  enter  after  the  house  was  consumed  i  and  that 


•f 


I 


B 


■  4 


32 

a  temporary  breast-work  might  be  erected,  to  prevent 
even  their  entering  the  re.    I  convinced  the  men  that 
this  could  be  accomplistied,  and  it  appeared  to  inspire 
them  with  new  life,  and  never  did  men  acf    with  more 
firmness  or  desperation  ;  those  that  were  able,   (while 
the  others  k«pt  up  a  fire  from  the  other  block-house  and 
the  two  bastions,)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  with 
Doctor  Clarke,  at  their  head  (who  acted  with  the  great- 
est firmness  and  presence  of  mind,  the   whole  time  the 
attack  lasted,  which  was  eight  hours  under  a  shower  of 
bullets,)  and  in  a  moment  threw   off  as  mucftvof  the 
roof  as  was  necessary,  this  was  done  with  the  loss  of  one 
man  only,  and  two  wounded,  neither  of  them    danger- 
ously, the.  man  that  was  killed   was  a  little  deranged, 
and  did  not  get  off  the  house  as  soon  as  directed,  or  he 
would  not  have  been  hurt ;  and  altho'  the   barracks 
were  several  times  in  a  blaze,  the  men  used  such  exer- 
tions, that  they  kept  it  under;  and  before  day  light,  rai- 
sed a  temporary  breastwork  as  high  as  a  man's  head, 
altho'  the  Indians  continued  to  pour  in  a  heavy  fire   of 
ball,  and  an  innumerable  quantity  of  arrows,  during  the 
whole  time  the  attack  lasted,  in  every  part  of  the  pa- 
rade. 

I  had  but  one  other  man  killed,  nor  any  other  wound- 
ed inside  the  foi-t,  and  he  lost  his  life  by  being  too 
anxious ;  he  got  into  one  of  the  gallies  in  the  bastions 
and  fired  over  the  pickets,  and  called  to  his  comrades 
that  he  had  killed  an  Indian,  and   neglecting  to  stoop 
down,  in  an  instant  he  was  shot  dead ;  one  of  the  men 
that  jumped  the  picket,  returned  an  hour  before  day, 
and  running  towards  the  gate,  begged  for  God's  sake  it , 
might  be  opened  ;  I  suspected  it  to  be  a  stratagem  of 
the  Indians  to  get  in  ;  as  I  did  not  recollect  the  voice,  I 
directed  the  men  in  the  bastion  where  I  happened  to  be, 
to  shoot  him,  let  him  be  who  he  would,  and  one  of  them 
fired  at  him,  but  fortunately  he  ran  up  to  the  other 
bastion,  where  they  knew  his  voice,  and  Doctor  Clarke  j 
directed  him  to  lie  down  close  to  the  pickets  behind 
an  empty  barrel  that  happened  to  be  there,  and  at  day-  j 
light  I  had  him  let  in  ;  his  arm  was  broke  in  a  most 
shocking  manner,  which  he  says  was  done  by  the  In- 


33 
dians,  and  which  I  suppose  was  the  cause  of  his  returning 

constant  fire,  until  aL^utl^L'cl^^^^^^^^ 
which  we  began  to  return  with  some  eftbct,  afte  day* 
light,  they  removed  out  of  the  reach  of  our  "uns  ^a 
party  of  them  drove  up  the  horses  that  belonged  to  the 
citizens  here,  and  as  they  could  not  catch  them  very 
readily,shotthe  whole  of  them,  in  our  sia  i^s  weH 

the  catt  e  which  amounted  to  65  head,  with  the  Dubnc 
oxen.  I  had  the  vacancy  filled  up  before  nieht  Fwhch 
was  occasioned  by  the  burning  the  K-house  V  w  t£ 
a  strong  row  of  pickets,  which*!  got  by  pu^HnTdown 
the  guard  house.  We  lost  the  whole  of  .mrp  ""visions 
but  must  make  out  to  live  upon  green  corn  .m  J  Ti 
can  get  a  supply,  which  I  hope  wiH  not  be  loJi  I 
beheve  the  whole  of  the  MiaSies  or  Waes,  Jre  v^^h 
he  prophet's  party,  as  one  chief  gave  his  ord^isL  That 
language  which  resembled  Stonl-eater's  voice!  and  I 

LtTnd'^eSt^tU'd-^"  1^^"^^^^  ^  ^--^-- 
fli  "Pi;^*^stands  their  different  languages,  and  several 

ofthe  Waes  that  have  been  frequently  he;elTre 

sX^dl'Lly  buf  "'^  "-tInorniJiiTtheXia"; 
lu^h^i^  V:  ^^u  ^^''^  '^  numerous  as  to  take  off 
a^l  that.were  shot ;  they  continued  with  us  until  the  next 
mormng,  but  made  no  further  attempt  on  the  fbrt  nor 
have  we  seen  any  thing  more  of  them  since  ' 

«i3  iLx.  trov.  Harrison.  Z   TAYLOR 

inlSfc^'a^arrr"^^^  '  ""'''"''^'^  '^^  ^^^^^^^^^ 


BATTLE  OP  QUEENSTOWN. 

c;  A      u     ^®*^  Quarters,  Lewistown,  October  14, 1812 

SIR,—- As  the  movements  of  the  army  under  mv  com 
inand,  since  I  had  last  the  honor  to  address  you?onthL" 

E 


34 


nHi  insl.  hare  been  of  a  very  important  character,  pro- 
ducing consequences  serious  to  many  individuals  ;  es- 
tablishing facts  actually  connected  with  the  interest 
of  the  service,  and  the  safety  of  the  army  ;  and  as  I 
stand  prominently  responsible  for  some  of  these  con- 
sequences, I  beg  leave  to  explain  to  you  sir,  and 
through  you,  to  my  country,  the  situation  and  circum- 
stances, and  the  reasons  and  motives  which  governed 
me  ;  and  if  the  result  is  not  all  that  might  have  been 
wished,  it  is  such,  that  when  the  whole  ground  shall  be  re- 
viewed, I  shall  cheerfully  submit  myself  to  the  judg- 
ment of  my  country. 

In  my  letter  of  the  8th  inst.  I  apprized  you,  that  a 
crisis  in  this  campaign  was  rapidly  advancing,  and  that 
(to  repeat  the  same  wordsj)  "  the  blow  must  be 
soon  struck,  or  all  the  toil  and  expence  of  the  cam- 
paign go  for  nothing ;  and  worse  than  nothing,  for  the 
whole  will  lie  tinged  with  dishonor." 

Under  such  impressions  1  had,  on  the  5th  inst.  written 
to  Brig.  Gen.  Smyth,  of  the  U.  States  forces,  request- 
ing an  interview  with  him,  Major  Gen.  Hall,  and  the 
commandants  of  the  U.  States  regiments,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  conferring  upon  the  subject  of  future  opera- 
tions. 

I  wrote  Major  Gen.  Hall,  to  the  same  purport ;  on 
the  11th.  I  had  received  no  answer  from  Gen.  Smyth  ; 
but  in  a  note  to  me  of  the  10th.  Gen.  Hall  mentioned 
that  Gen.  Smyth  had  not  then  agreed  upon  any  day 
for  the  consultation. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  partial  success  of  Lieut.  Elliott^ 
at  Black  Rock,  (of  which,  however,  I  have  received  no 
official  information)  began  to  excite  a  strong  disposi- 
tion in  the  troops  to  act ;  this  was  expressed  to  me 
through  various  channels  in  the  shape  of  an  alternative  ; 
that  they  must  have  orders  to  act ;  or  at  all  hazards  they 
would  ^oAoiwc.  I  forbear  commenting  here  upon  the 
obvious  consequences  to  me,  personally,  oi  longer 
withholding  my  orders  under  such  circumstances. 
^  I  had  a  conference  with  ■  ,  as  to  the  possi- 

bility of  getting  some  person  to  pass  over  to  Canada, 
and  obtain  correct  information.   On  the  morning  of  the 


\h 


35 

4th.  he  wrote  to  me  that  he  had  procured  tlie  man  who 
bore  his  letter  to  go  over  ;  instructions  were   ffiven 
him,  he  passed  oyer,  obtained  such  information  as  war- 
ranted  an  immediate  attack.     This  was  confidentially 
communicated  to  several  of  my  first  officers,  and  oro- 
duced  great  zepi  to  act;  more  especially,  as  it  midit 
havea  controlling  effect  upon  the  movements  at   Oe- 
I    uu'  n  f.*"^  i*  '*^^^ supposed  General  Brock   was  gone 
I  with  all  the  force  he   dared   spare   from  the  Niagara 
trontier;    the  hest  preparations  in  my  power  were 
therefore  nriade,  to  dislodge  the  enemy,  from  the  heights 
ot  Uueenstown,  and  possess  ourselves  of  the  villajre 
I  where  the  troops  might  be  sheltered  from  the  distress- 
m  inclemency  of  the  weather.— Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick's  , 
flying  artillery,  and  a  detachment  of  regular  troops 
under  his  command,  were  ordered  to  be  up  in  season! 
trom  fort  Niagara  ;  orders  were  also  sent  to  Gen.  Smyth, 
to  send  down  from   Buffaloe.  such  a  detachment  of 
his  brigade,  as  existing  circumstances  in   that  vicinity 
might  warrant ;  the  attack  was  to  have  been  made  at  4 
oclockon  the  morning  of  the  11th.  by  crossin<r  over 
in  boats,  from  the  old  ferry,  opposite  the  heights  ;  to  I 
avoid  any  embarrassment  in  crossing  the  river,  (which 
IS  here  a  sheet  of  violent  eddies,)  experienced  boatmen 
were  procured,  to  take  the  boat.s  from  the  landing  be- 
llow, to  the  place  of  embarkation  ;   Lieut.  Sim,  was 
■considered  the  man  of  greatest  skill  for  this  service  ; 
[he  went  ahead,  and,  in  the  extreme  darkness,  passed  the 
lintended  place  far  up  the  river,  and  there,  in  a  most  ex-j 
Itraordinarv  manner,  fastened  his  boat  to  the  shore,  and 
labandoned  the  detachment.     In  this  front  boat,  he  had  ' 
learned  nearly  ever^  oar,  which  was  prepared  for  all  the 
boats:  in  this  agonizing  dilemma  stood  officers  and  men, 
whose  ardour  had  not  been  cooled  by  exposure,  throuo-h 
Ithe  night,  to  one  of  the  most  tremendous  N.  East  storms, 
Iwhich  continued  unabated  for  twenty-eight  hours,  and 
|delug:ed  the  whole  camp:  the  approach  of  day  light  ex- 
Itmgmshed  every  prospect  of  success,  and  the  detachment 
Iretumed  to  camp.     Col.  Van  Ransellaer  was  to  have 
ommanded  the  detachment 


36       . 

After  this  result,  I  had  honed  the  patience  of  the  troopi 
would  have  continued  until  1  could  submit  the  plan,  sug- 
gested in  my  letter  of  the  8th,  that  I  rai^;ht  act  under,  and 
in  conformity  to  the  opinion  which  might  be  then  ex- 
pressed ;  but  my  hope  was  idle : — the  previously  excited 
ardour  seem(!d  to  have  gained  new  heat  from  the  late 
miscarriage — the  brave  were  mortified  to  stop  short  of 
their  object,  and  the  timid  thought  laurels  half  won  by  the 
attempt. 

Viewing  the  affairs  at  Buffaloe  as  yet  unsettled,  I  had 
immediately  countermanded  the  march  of  Gen.  Smyth's 
brigade,  upon  the  failure  of  the  firr.t  expedition;  but  hav- 
ing now  determined  to  attack  Queenstown,  I  sent  new 
orders  to  Gen.  Smyth,  to  march ;  not  with  a  view  of  his  | 
aid  in  the  attack,  (for  I  considered  the  force  detached 
sufficient)  but  to  support  the  detachment,  should  the  con- 
flict  be  obstinate  and  long  continued. 

Lieut.  Col.  Christie,  wno  had  arrived  at  4  mile  creek, 
had,  late  in  the  night  of  the  first  contemplated  attack,  gal- 
lantly offered  me  his  own  and  his  men's  service,  but  he 
fot  my  permission  too  late  : — he  now  again  came  forward, 
ad  a  conference  with  Col.  Van  Ransellaer,  and  begged! 
that  he  might  have  the  honor  of  a  command  in  the  expe- 
dition :  the  arrangement  was  made ;  Col.  Van  Ransellaer 
was  to  command  one  cblumn  of  300  militia,  and  Lieut.! 
Col.  Christie  a  column  of  the  same  number  of  regularl 
troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted,  as  to  boats ;  and) 
the  most  confidential  and  experienced  men  to  manage! 
them.  At  an  early  hour  in  the  night,  Lieut.  Col.  Christic| 
marched  his  detachment,  by  the  rear  road,  from  Niagara! 
to  camp  :  at  7  in  the  evening,  Lieut.  Col.  Stranahan's  re-l 
giment  moved  from  Niagara  falls  ;  at  8  o'clock,  Mead's;! 
at  9,  Lieut.  Col.  Elan's  regiment  marched  from  the  samel 
place — all  were  in  camp  in  good  season.  Agreeably  to! 
my  orders,  issued  on  this  occasion,  the  two  columns  were| 
to  pass  over  together;  and,  as  soon  as  the  heights  should! 
be  carried,  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick's  flying  artillery  was  toj 
pass  over;  then  Major  Mullany's  detachment  of  regularsj 
and  the  other  troops,  to  foHow  in  order. 


37  "* 

At  dawn  of  day  the  bonts  were  in  readlnesg,  and  the 
(roopscominenctd  embarking  under  the  cover  of  a  com- 
manding battery,  mounting  2  eighteen  flounders,  and  2 
«ixe.s      Ihe  movement  was  soon  discovered,  and  a  brisk 
fire  of  musquetry  was  poured  from  the  whole  line  of  th« 
Canada  shore.     Our  battery  then  opened  to  sweep  the 
shore;  but  it  was,  for  some  minutes,  too  dark  to  direct 
much  fire  with  safety.     A  brisk  cannonade  was  now  open- 
ed upon  the  boats,  from  three  different  batteries;  our 
battery  returned  their  fire,  and  occasionally  tiirew  grape 
upon  the  shore,  and  was  itself  served  with  shells  from  a 
small  mortar  of  the  enemys.     CoLJcoit,  of  the  artillery, 
by  nastcmng  his  march  fiom  NISj^i^fT falls,  in  the  niffht 
arrived  in  season  to  return  the  enemy's  fire  with  2  six 
pounders. 

The  boats  were  somewhat  embarrassed  by  the  eddies 
as  well  a.  with  a  shower  of  shot ;  but  Col.  Van  Ransellaer', 
wim  about  one  hundred  men,  soon  effected  his  landing 
amidst  a  tremendous  fire,  directed  upon  him  from  every 
pomt;  but  to  the  astonishment  of  all  who  witnessed  the 
scene,  this  van  of  the  column  advanced  slowly  against  the 
hre.  It  was  a  serious  misfortune  to  the  van,  and  indeed 
to  the  whole  expedition,  that  in  a  few  minutes  after  land- 
ing. Col.  Van  Ransellaer  received  four  wounds;  a  ball 
passed  through  his  right  thigh,  entering  just  below  the 

F..,°"uT''"°*^^''  '^''*  P^''^^  t^^^ough  the  same  thidi, 
a  httle  below;  the  third  through  the  calf  of  his  left  leir 
and  a  fourth  contused  his  heel.     This  was  quite  a  crisis 
m  the  expedition;  under  so  severe  a  fire,  it  was  difficult 
to  form  raw  troops.     By  some  mismanagement  of  the 
boatmen,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  did  not  arrive  until  sometime 
alter  this  and  was  wounded  in  the  hand  in  passing  the 
river.     Col.  Van  Ransellaer  was  still  able  to  stand ;  and 
with  great  presence  of  mind,  ordered  his  officers  to  pro- 
ceed, and  storm  the  fort :  this  service  was  gallantly  per- 
formed,  and  the  enemy  driven  down  the  Jill   in  every 
direction     Soon  after  this,  both  parties  were  considerably 
remlorced,  and  the  conflict  was  renewed  in  various  places  • 
many  of  the  enemy  took  shelter  behind  a  stone  guardl 
house,  where  a  piece  of  ordnance  was  now  briskly  served 


^1 


1; 


..   l\ 


Ji 


^ 


# 


38 


i 


m 


T^ 


I  ordered  the  fire  of  our  battery  directed  upon  the  guard- 
house ;  and,  it  was  so  effectually  done,  that,  with  eight  or 
ten  shot,  the  fire  was  silenced.  The  enemy  then  retreat- 
ed behind  a  large  store-house  ;  but,  in  a  short  time,  the 
rout  became  general,  and  the  enemy's  fire  was  silenced, 
except  from  a  one  gun  battery,  so  far  down  the  river  as 
to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  our  heavy  ordnance,  and  our 
light  pieces  could  not  silence  it.  A  number  of  boats  now 
passed  over  unanoyed,  except  from  the  one  unsilenced 
gun.  For  some  time  after  I  had  passed  over,  the  victory 
appeared  complete;  but,  in  the  expectation  of  further  at- 
taAs,  I  was  taking  measures  for  fortifying  my  camp  im- 
mediately :  the  direction  of  this  service  I  committed  to 
Lieut.  T'otten,  oi  the  engineers ;  but  very  soon  the  ene- 
my were  reinforced  by  a  detachment  of  several  hundred 
Indians,  from  Chippewa — they  commenced  a  furious  at- 
tack, bat  were  promptly  met,  and  routed  by  the  rifle  and 
bayonet.  By  this  time  I  perceived  my  troops  were  em- 
barking very  slowly ;  I  passed  immediately.over,  to  accel- 
erate tlieir  movements ;  but  to  my  utter  astonishment,  I 
found  that,  at  the  very  moment  when  complete  victory 
was  in  our  hands,  the  ardor  of  the  unengaged  troops  had 
entirely  subsided.  I  rode  in  all  directions — urged  men, 
by  every  consideration,  to  pass  over ;  but  in  vain.  Lieut. 
Col.  Bloom,  who  had  been  wounded  in  action,  returned, 
mounted  his  horse,  and  rode  through  the  camp ;  as  did 
also  Judge  Peck,  who  happened  to  be  here,  exhorting  the 
companies  to  proceed ;  but  all  in  vain.  At  this  time  a 
large  reinforcement  from  Fort  George  were  discovered 
coming  up  the  river.  As  the  battery  on  the  hill  was  con- 
sidered an  important  check  against  their  ascending  the 
heights,  measures  were  immediately  taken  to  send  them  a 
fresh  supply  of  ammunition,  as  I  had  learnt  there  were 
only  left  twenty  shot,  for  18  pounders.  The  reinforce- 
ments, however,  obliqued  to  the  right  from  the  road,  and 
formed  a  junction  with  the  Indians,  in  the  rear  of  the 
heights.  Finding,  to  my  infinite  mortification,  that  no  re- 
inforcement would  pass  over — seeing  that  another  severe 
conflict  would  soon  commence;  and  knowing  that  the 
brave  men  on  the  heights  were  quite  exhausted,  and  near- 


39 


\y  out  of  aimmmition,  all  I  could  do  was  to  send  them  a 
fresh  supply  of  cartridges. 

At  this  critical  moment^  I  dispatched  a  note  to  Gen. 
Wadsworth,  acquainting  him  with  our  situation — leaving 
the  course  to  be  pursued  much  to  his  own  judgment,  with 
assurance  that,  if  he  thought  best  to  retreat,  I  would  send 
as  many  boats  as  I  could  command,  and  cover  his  retreat 
by  every  fire  I  could  safely  make  : — but  the  boats  were 
dispersed ;  many  of  the  boatmen  had  fled,  panic  struck, 
ana  but  few  got  off.  But  my  note  could  but  have  little 
more  than  reached  Gen.  Wadsworth,  about  4  o'clock, 
when  a  severe  and  obstinate  conflict  commenced,  and  con- 
tinued about  half  an  Jiour,  with  a  tremendous  fire  of  can- 
non, flying  artillery,  and  musquetry.  The  enemy  suc- 
ceeded in  repossessing  their  battery,  and  gaining  advan- 
tage on  every  side ;  the  brave  men  who  had  gained  the 
victory,  exhausted  of  strength  and  ammunition,  and  griev- 
ed at  the  unpardonable  neglect  of  their  soldiers,  gave  up 
the  conflict. 

I  can  only  add,  that  the  victory  was  really  won— but 
lost  for  the  want  of  a  small  reinforcement ;  one  third  part 
of  the  idle  men  might  have  saved  all ! 

I  cannot,  in  justice,  close  this,  without  expressing  the 
very  great  obligation  I  am  under  to  Brig.  Gen.  Wads- 
worth,  Col.  Van  Ransellaer,  Lieut.  Colonels  Christie  and 
Fenwick,  and  Capt  Gibson.  Many  others  have  also  be- 
haved most  gallantly.  As  I  have  reason  to  believe  that 
many  of  our  troops  fled  to  the  woods,  with  the  hope  of 
crossing  the  river,  I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  the  pro- 
bable number  of  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners:  the 
slaughter  of  our  troops  must  have  been  very  considerable, 
and  the  enemy  have  suffered  severely;  Gen.  Brock  is 
among  their  slain,  and  his  aid-de-camp  mortally  wounded. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

STEPHEN  VAN  RANSELLAER, 

Major  Gen. 
Major  General  DEARBORPf. 


m 


1) 


M 


40 


; 


/ 


RUPTURE  WITH  ALGIERS. 

On  board  the  ship  Allegany, 

At  sea,  July  25,  1812. 

«f  fvT-  r^  *^^  ^°"°^  *«  »nform  you  that,  on  the  17fl. 

of  this  month,  the  ship  Allegany,  Ebenezer  Fv^Vth 
ter,  arriy^d  at  Algiers^,  fromV  U  St"  eTwi^^^^^^^ 
nayal  and  mihtarj  stores,  for  the  regency  infulfilmeS^ 
treaty  stipulations;  and  that,  on  the  20tUst  tl  ^n  ?K 
had  began  to  discharffe  their  care-o  Frln  '     i  *^^^ 

from  th'e  Dey,  informfngt  taTe\  oXot^^^ 

taken  to  nreyent  tKecufc  ff:XT^^^^^^^ 

7^1  and  all  other  citizet  oVtt  MS,'  tC 
On  the  13th  iost.  a  squadron  of  cruisers  ^»\UA  A.       a  i 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
To  the  Consuls,  SCc.  TOBIAS  LEAR. 


AFFAIR  AT  ST.  REGIS. 
Head  Quarters,  Camp  French  Mills, 
n   *k   „    ,  ^^'^  October,  1812. 

mth  the  information  7Kh         Regis;  tliey  returned 
village,  and  thTwe  miSit  ef^^^^^^^  '""^'*''' •'"  *' 

*a4.    Theirnu.bertaXe'lCtra'lT.X: 


,V 


41 

number:  th rdetelbed ir,  T""*"'^  '"'^'•'='««  ">«''• 
out  those  already  laSd  W  "^^  "."attempt  to  take 
arrive.    I  ordered  the  In^  "!!  r"^  ^"ffcement  could 

f ;';:»-  aTi-ttt^aSJLif ptr-^? 

a  circuitous  route    thr/^no-h   +k  p^bsiuie.      we  took 

Gra/s  Mills,  at  Ufiast  3^4  M  W°''f'  ''l  "■'"Ved  at 
ca„<ie,and  t'wo  cribs^  of  botd^'.  cTot  Tv„  '"'  °"' 
crossed  in  the  boats ;  Capt  SeiltT'.I^     '  ""^f^y 

the  right,  with  orders  trSf;i.^°"r'  ''•'^*'''  f™™ 
bank  of  he  St  Re2  riltr   *,Vj-'''  '?"""'g  "'™gthe 

rearofCaptitntl^Vsh^L^ttSTndDa^ 

^:a:re7orsf ifwtrr-  '^^^^^^^^^^ 

yj  "^*^  "™gi  that  Capt.  Lyon  was  eno-ao-pr?      A  *  +1,  ' 

he  toved  to 't  the  En  ^'  '"''  *''!,R°'"- '"«"<>»'  »oo„  feR , 
Tt,./:  •  "^  t-nsign,  named  m  the  list  of  kill»J 

killeLnr'T  .*"  P"'?r"'  '^i*  their  arms?  &c^^ 

crott'",nvS",h:':iHr  '■"•'i"  """t  ""-=•  -« 

ine  river  at  the  vdlMre,  and  returned  to  camp  by 


4 


t'' 


42 

the  nearest  route,  where  we  arrived  at  11,  A.  M.— tlie 

batleaux,  with  baggage,  &c.  arrived  a  few  minutes  before 

us.     V\  e  had  not  a  man  hurt.— I  cannot  close  this  leiter, 

without  statmgto  jour  excellency,  that  the  officers  and 

soldiers,  for  their  conduct  on  this  occasion,  deserve  the 

highest  encomiums ;  for,  so  strict  was  their  attention  to 

duty  and  orders,  that  we  entered  the  place  without  even 

being  heard  by  the  Indians'  dogs.     The  prisoners  I  have 

just  sent  off  to  Pittsburgh,  to  await  the  disposition  of 

your  excellency. 

I  am,  &c. 

k  G.  D.  YOUNG,  Major, 

^  n  .     ^       ^.     Commanding  troops  at  French  Mills. 

Brig.  Gen.  Bleomjield. 


AFFAIR  ON  LAKE  ONTARIO. 

SackeVs  Harbor,  13th  Nov.  1812. 
SIR— I  arrived  here  last  evening  in  a  gale  of  wind,  the 
pilots  having  refused  to  keep  the  Lakes.     On  the  8th,  I 
fell  in- with  the  Royal  George,  and  chased  her  into  the 
Bay  of  Quanti,  where  I  lost  sight  of  her,  in  the  night.   L. 
the  morning  of  the  9th,  we  again  got  sight  of  her,  lyinff 
in  Kingston  channel.     We  gave  chase,  and  followed  her 
in  the  harbor  of  Kingston,  where  We  engaged  her  and  the 
batteries,  for  one  hour  and  forty-five  minutes.     I  had  made  j 
up  iriy  mmd  to  board  her;  but  she  was  so  well  protected 
by  the  batteries,  and  the  wind  blowing  directly  in,  it  was 
deemed  imprudent  to  make  the  attempt  at  that  time ;  the 
pilots  also  refused  to  take  charge  of  the  vessels.     Under 
these  circumstances,  and  it  being  after  sun-down,  I  deter- 
mined to  haul  off,  and  renew  the  action  the  next  morning. 
We  beat  up,  m  good  order,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the 
Royal  George  and  batteries,  to  4  mile  point,  where  we 
anchored ;  it  blew  heavy,  in  squalls,  from  the  westward, 
during  the  night,  and  there  was  every  appearance  of  a 
gale  of  Wind ;  the  pilots  became  alarmed,  and  I  thought 
it  most  prudent  to  get  into  a  place  of  more  safety— I  there- 1 
lore  deferred  renewing  the  attack,  upon  the  ships  and ' 


k^.. 


h  >■ 


43 

forts,  until  a  more  favourable  opportunity —At  7  A   \1 
on  the  lOth,  I  made  the  signal  tfweigh  Ind  we  beat  o^i 
of  a  verv  narrow  channel,  under  a  very  heavy  press  of 
sad,  to  tie  open  Lake.     At  10,  we  kllinZi  t^ie  Sov 
S.mcde,  running  for  Kingston,  and  chased  h  r  into  the 
harbor;  she  escaped  by  running  over  a  reef  of  rocks  un^ 
der  a  heavy  hre  from  the  Gov.^Tompkins,  the  Sto^ 
and  the  Jul.a,  which  cut  her  very  mich  :  all  her  peon  e 
^n  below    while  under  the  fire  of  these  ve  seli    The 
Ham.  ton  chased  her  into  9  feet  water,  before  TelJed 
off.     In  our  passage  through  the  bay  of  Quanti,  I  disco- 
vered a  schooner  at  the  village  of  ArmingTton,  wlic    we 
took  possession  of;  but  finding  she  woulJ  detain  us    (be! 
mp  then  in  chase  of  the  Royal  George)  I  ordered  Lieut 
A^Pherson  to  take  out  her  s'ails  and  rTg^ing?  Srn  her 
which  he  did.     We  also  took  the  scESont  Mary  Hal K 
from  Niagara  at  the  mouth  of  Kingston  Harbor,  a^d  took 
her  with  us   to  our  anchorage.     The  next  mornino-,  find- 
ng  she  could  not  beat  through  the  channel  with  us  I  o- 
deied  the  sailing  master,  in  the  Growler,  to  take  her  un- 

tZt'enZK  77  ^7"  ^t  Kingston,  anchor  on  the 
eas  end  of  Long-Is  and,  and  wait  for  a  wind,  to  come  up 
on  the  east  side;  I  was  also  in  hopes,  that  the  Royil 
George  might  be  induced  to  follow,  fir  the  purpose  of  e- 
takmg  our  prize;  but  her  commander  was  too  well  aware 
d  the  consequences,  to  leave  his  moorings.  We  lost,  in 
this  affair,  one  man  killed,  and  three  shghtly  wounde 
with  a  few  shot  through  our  sails.     The  olhe/vessSst 

u^itFTth;?  /'^'"^    r  .K  'o^"  '"JT^^  •"  *'»^"'^^""  ^"d  sails, 
Hith  the  exception  of  the  Pert,  whose  gun  bursted  in  the 

ear  y  part  of  the  action,  and  woundeS  her  commander 
badly  and  a  midshipman,  and  three  men,  slightly.     Mr. 
Arundel,  who  refused  to  quit  the  deck,  although  wound^ 
ed,  was  knocked  oveiboard,  and  drowned,  in  Beating  up 
o  our  anchorage.     The  Royal  George  must  have  refeiV? 
d  very  considerable  injury,  in  her  Imll,  and  in  men,  as 
he  gun  vessels,  with  a  long  32  pounder,  were  seen  to 
sti.ke  her,  almost  every  shot;  anJ,  it  was  observed,  that 
.he  was  reinforced  with  troops,  four  different  times,  dur- 
ing the  action.     I  have  great  pleasure  in  saying,  that  the 


f-  I 


44 

officers  and  men,  on  board  of  every  vessel,  behaved  with 
the  utmost  coolness,  and  are  extremely  anxious  to  meet 
the  enemy  on  the  open  Lake;  and,  as  long  as  I  have  the 
honor  to  command  such  officers  and  men,  I  can  have  no 
doubt  of  the  result.--I  think  I  can  say,  with  great  proprie- 
ty,  that  we  have  now  the  command  of  the  Lake  ;  and  that 
we  can  transport  troops  and  stores,  to  any  part  of  it,  with- 
out any  risk  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy.     Although  the 
whole  of  his  naval  ibrce  was  not  collected  at  Kingston, 
yet,  the  force,  at  the  different  batteries,  would  more  than 
counterbalance    the   vessels   that   were    absent;    it   was 
thought,  by  all  the  officers  in  the  squadron,  that  the  ene- 
my  had  more  than  30  guns,  mounted  at  Kingston,  and 
from  1000  to  1500  men.  ^         , 

_  The  Royal  George,  protected  by  this  force,  was  driven 
into  the  inner  harbor,  under  the  protection  of  the  mus- 
quetry,  by  the  Oneida,  and  4  small  schooners,  fitted  out 
as  gun-boats. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

Th.TJ      1.  rj     n  '^^^^  CHAUNCEY. 

I'he  Hon.  P.  Hamilton. 


«  i  >' 


k 


THE  WASP  AND  FROLIC. 

oj  war  Wasp,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated 

New-  York,  2ilk  Nov.  1 812. 
SIR~I  here  avail  myself  of  the  first  opportunity,  of  in- 
forming ^ou  of  the  occurrences  of  our  cruise,  which  ter- 

Ttt  p"  !  '  'Xr  "^  *^f  .^^^P'  °"  *he  leth  of  Oct. 
by  tne  Poictiers,  74  guns,  while  a  wreck,  from  damages 
received  m  an  engagement  with  the  British  sloop  of  war 

Frolic  of  22  guns;  sixteen  of  them  32Ib,carronrdes,S 
four  12  pounders,  on  the  main  deck,  and  two  12  pounders 

rforT  f    "  T  *etop-.alIant  forecastle,  makin^C  supe: 

s  ru^k  r'  "":,  ^^  ^""'  ?2  P°""^^r«-  The^rolic  h^ad 
struck  to  us,  and  was  taken  possession  of,  about  twu 
hours  before  our  surrendering  to  the  Poictiers 


^HAUNCEY. 


45 

We  had  left  Che  Delaware,  on  the  13th-the  16th,  had 
H«lTZf  r' '"  ""^'"^.^^  ^-^l*  °"r  jib-boom,  and  two  men. 
?70  nPlI  rr'.r  *^"  "'gh'  of  the  17th,  in  theJat.  of 
37^  north.  Ion.  65«  west,  we  saw  several  sail,  two  of  them 
appearing  very  large ;  we  stood  from  them,  for  some  time" 
then  shortened  sail  and  steered,  the  remainder  of  the  night' 
the  course  we  had  perceived  them  on.     At  day  day-lifh 
on  Sunday  the  18th,  we  saw  them  ahead-Wchfse 
and  soon  discovered  them  to  be  a  convoy,  of  fix  saH,  un- 
der the  protection  of  a  sloop  of  war;  four  of   heir  large 
ships  mountmg  from  16  to  \s  guns.     At  32  Linutes  p£t 
II,  A.  M.  we  engaged  the  sloop  of  war,  having  first  re- 
ceived  her  fire,  at  the  distance  of  50  or  60  yafds,  which 
space  we  gradually  lessened,  until  we  laid  hir  on  board, 
after  a  weTl  supported  fire  of  fortv-three  minutes ;  and 
although  so  near,  while  loading  the  last  broadside,  tha 
our  rammers  were  shoved  against  the  side  of  the  enemy, 
our  men  exhibited  the  same  alacrity,  which  they  had  done 
durmg  the  whole  of  the  action,    ^hey  immediately  sur! 
rendered,  upon  our  gaining  their  forecastle,  so  that  no 
loss  was  sustained,  on  either  side,  after  boarding. 

Uur  mam  top-mast  was  shot  away,  between  4  and  5 
minutes  after  the  commencement  of  the  firing,  and  falling, 
together  with  the  main  topsail  yard,  across  the  larboaS 
fore  and  fore  topsail  braces,  ren'dered  our  head  yards  un- 
manageable  the  remainder  of  the  action ;  at  8  minutes 
the  gaft  and  mizen  top-gallant  mast  came  down ;  and,  at 
twenty  mmutes  from  the  beginning  of  the  action,  ey;ry 
brace,  and  most  of  the  riggfng,  wis  shot  away.  A  few 
minutes  after  separating  from  the  Frolic,  bothlier  mas^ 

A  T'^r  ^''^'  *^^  ""^"^  ™^«t  g«'ng  close  by  the  deck 
and  tlie  fore  mast  twelve  or  fiftten  !eet  aboveU.  The 
courage  and  exertions  of  the  officers  and  crew,  fully  an-' 
swered  my  expectations  and  wishes  :  Lieut.  Biddle's  ac 
tive  conduct,  contributed  much  to  our  success,  by  the  ex- 
act  attention  paid  to  every  department,  durng  the  en- 

.ndM^P  '"tfP'^'ty-,  Lieutenants  Rodgers,  Booth, 
Ili^n  R^W;  Bhewed,  by  the  incessant  fire  (ram  thei^ 
divisions,  that  they  were  not  to  be  surpassed  in  resolution 


# 


46 

or  skill.    Mr.  Knig.ht,  and  every  other  officer,  acted  with 
a  courage  and  promptitude,  highly  honorable ;  and,  I  trust, 
have  given  assurance,  that  they  may  be  relied  on,  when- 
ever  their  services  may  be  required.     I  could  not  ascer- 
tam  the  exact  loss  of  the  enemy,  as  many  of  the  dead  lay 
buned  under  the  masts  and  spars,  that  had  fallen  upon 
deck,  which  two  hours  exertion  had  not  sufficiently  re- 
moved.    Mr.  Biddle,  who  had  charge  of  the  Frolic,  states, 
that,  from  what  he  saw,  and  from  information  from  the 
oflicers,  the  number  killed  must  have  been  about  thirty 
and  that  of  the  wounded,  about  forty  or  fifty.     Of  the 
killed,  18  her  first  Lieutenant,  and  sailing  master;  of  the 
wounded,  Captain  Whinyates,  and  the  second  Lieutenant. 
We  had  five  k    ed,  and  five  wounded,  as  per  list;  the 
wounded  are  recovering.     Lieut.  Claxton,  who  was  con- 
lined  by  sickness,  left  his  bed  a  little  previous  to  the  en- 
gagement; and,  though  too  weak  to  Ibe  at  his  division, 
remained  upon  deck,  and  showed,  by  his  composed  man' 
ner  of  noting  its  incidents,  that  we  had  lost,  by  his  illness, 
the  services  of  a  brave  officer. 

I  am,  &c. 

^    „     „  „  JAMES  JONES. 

I  he  Hon.  V,  Hamilton,  Sec.  Navy. 


w 


f .-"' 


II..  ■^T  ■      ( 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  THE  INDIANS. 

Detailed  Account  of  Col.  NEWMAN'S  EXPEDITION  AGAINSt 
THE  FLORIDA  INDIANS. 

New-Hope,  St.  John's,  Wih  Oct.  1812. 
DEAR  SIR— I  have  now  the  honor  of  transmitting  to 

whinhT  *T  ^"  r°"".*  °^  *^^  ^^^^^^»  engagements 
whch  have  taken  place,  between  the  Lotchlway  and 
Alligator  Indians,  and  the  detachment  of  Georgia  volun- 

♦tT'  "3  r  °*^  *^°Tt"^-  ^«  *^^  «bJ«ct  of  this  expedi- 
tion,  and  the  views  of  the  peraons  engaged  in  it,  have  Len 


[ES  JONES. 


47 

misconstrued,  and  nais-statements,  relative  to  its  protrac- 
tion, circulated,  I  ask  the  indulgence  of  your  excellency 
to  detail  every  transaction,  from  its  commencement  to  its' 
termination.-.I  arrived  upon  St.  John's,  in  obedience  to 
your  orders,  about  the  15th  of  August,  with  the  whole  of 
my  detachment,  consisting  of  about  250,  (with  officers^ 
and  with  few  on  the  sick  report.  I  immediately  waited 
J   ?  '    ^        Augustine,  and  received  orders,  da- 

ted the  21  St  of  August,  to  proceed  immediately  against 
the  hostile  Indians,  within  the  province  of  E.  Florida,  and 
destroy  their  towns,  provisions,  and  settlements.     I  then 
returned  to  the  detachment,  upon  the  St.  John's,  and  made 
every  preparation  to  comply  with  my  orders,  by  dispatch- 
'"g  parties   to  procure  horses,  from   the  kw  w'  ibitants 
that  had  not  fled  from  the  province,  in  preparii.     packs 
and  provisions,  and  taking  every  step,  which  I  deemed 
necessary,  to  ensure  success  to  the  enterprize.     In  conse- 
quence of  the  sickness  of  myself,  and  nearly  one  half  the 
detachment,  the  period  of  our  marching  was  delayed,  un- 
til the  24th  September;  and,  when  just  upon  the  eve  of 
departing,  an  express  arrived  from  Col.  Smith,  informinir 
me,  that  his  provision  waggons  and  escort  were  attacked 
b^  a  body  of  negroes  and  Indians,  and  ordering  me  to  ioin 
him  immediately,  with  90  men,  and  bring  alf  the  horses 
and  carriages  I  could  command,  for  the  removal  of  his 
baggage,  field  pieces,  and  sick ;   he  having  only  70  men 
ht  for  duty.     I  marched  to  the  relief  of  the  Colonel,  with 
130  men  and  25  horses,  and  assisted  him  in  removing  to 
the  block-house,  upon  Davis's  creek.     This  service  delay- 
ed, for  a  few  days,  our  expedition  to  the  nation  ,•  and  when 
the  detachment  assembled  again  upon  the  St.  John's,  and 
were  about  to  commence  their  march,  the  men  had  but 
SIX  or  seven  days  to  serve.     About  this  time,  I  received  a 
letter  from  Col.  Smith,  advising  me  to  propose  to  the  de- 
tachment, an  extension  of  their  service  for  15  or  20  days 
longer,  as  the  time  for  which  they  were  engaged  was 
deemed  insufficient  to  effect  the  object  of  the  expedition 
1  accordingly  assembled  the  detachment,  and,  after  stating 
the  necessity  of  a  tender  of  further  service,  proposed  thS 
the  men  should  volunteer  for  three  weeka  longer— when 


ia 


V^ 


It 
s  *   / 


I'.k  i. 


rt 


84  men,  including  officers,  stepped  out,  and  were  enrolled, 
which,  with  the  addition  of  23  volunteer  militia,  sent  to 
imr  aid,  by  Col.  Smith,  and  9  patriots,  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  Cone,  made  my  whole  force  amount  to  117. 
With  this  small  body,  provided  with  4  days  provisions, 
and  12  horses,  I  was  determined  to  proceed  to  the  nation, 
and  give  those  merciless  savages,  at  least,  one  battle  ;  and 
I  was  emboldened  in  this  determination,  by  the  strong  ex- 
pectation of  being  succored  by  a  body  of  cavalry,  from 
St.  Mary's ;  and  which,  it  has  since  appeared,  did  assem- 
ble at  Cfolerain,  but  proceeded  no  further.     On  the  even- 
ing of  the  24th  September,  we  left  the  St.  John's,  marching 
in  Indian  file';  Capt.  Humphrey's  company  of  riflemen  in 
front,  Lieut.  Fanuir's  company  in  the  centre,  and  Captain 
Coleman's  company,  with  Cone's  detachment,  under  the 
command  of  Lieut.  Broadnax,  in  the  rear ;  a  small  party 
marched  in  the  front  of  the  main  body,  and  another  m  the 
rear.     Our  encampments,  at   night,  (there  being  three 
companies)  was  in  the  form  of  a  triangle,  with  the  bag- 
gage in  the  centre ;  the  men,  with  their  clothes  on,  lying 
with  their  feet  pointing  outwards,  and  their  firelocks  in 
their  arms.     In  case  of  an  attack,  the  officers  were  in- 
structed to  bring  up  their  companies,  upon  the  right  and 
left  of  the  company  fronting  the  enemy,  and  attend  to  the 
Indian  mode  of  fighting,  until  ordered  to  charge.     In  case 
of  meeting  the  enemy  upon  our  march,  Humphreys'  com- 
pany was  instructed  to  file  off  to  the  right;  Fort's  com- 
pany, to  advance,  and  form  to  the  front,  in  single  rank, 
and  Coleman's  company  to  file  off  to  the  left — the  whole, 
then,  to  advance,  in  form  of  a  crescent,  and  endeavor  to 
encircle  the  enemy.     On  the  morning,  of  the  4th  day  of 
our  march,  when  we  were  within  6  or  7  miles  of  the 
Lotchaway  towns,  our  advanced  party  discovered  a  body 
of  Indians,  marching  along  the  path,  meeting  us,  and,  at 
the  same  moment,  they  appeared  to  have  discovered  us. 
As  soon  as  I  was  informed  of  it,  I  lost  no  time  in  giving 
the  necessary  directions  for  the  companies  to  advance,  and 
obey  the  instructions  which  had  been  previously  given 
to  them.     As  soon  as  Fort's  company  (at  the  nead  of 
which  I  had  placed  myself)  had  advanced  to  its  proper 

\ 


49 

ground,  I  discovered  the  Indians  falling  back,  and 
making  every  preparation  for  battle,  by   imaiinging 
their  packs,  priminff  their  rifles,  and  each  man  taking 
his  tree.     We  continued  to  advance,  takuig  advaniajre 
of  the  trees  in  our  progress,  until  we  were  within  130 
I  yards  of  the  Indians,  when  many  of  them  fired,  and  I 
instantly  ordered  the  charge,  which  drove  theiri  from 
behind  the  trees,  and  caused  them  to  retire,  with  the 
greatest  precipitation.     Our  men,  all  the  while,  firing 
at  them,  slew  several ;  and,  by  repeated  charges,  drove 
them  half  a  mile,  when  they  took  shelter  in  .a  swamp. 
The  action,  including  the  skirmishing  upon  the  flanks, 
lasted  two  hours  and  a  half— the  Indians  frequently  at- 
tempting to  outflank  us,  and  get  in  our  rear,  but  were 
repulsed  by  the  companies  on  our  right  and  left.     We 
had  1   man  killed,  and  9  wounded  ;  2  of  which  have 
I  since  died  of  their  wounds.     The  loss  of  the  enemy 
must  have  been  considerable  ;  I  saw  seven  fall  to  the 
ground,  among  whom  was  their  king,  Payne.     The 
rifle  company  on  the  right,  and  Broadnax's  on  the  left, 
speak  of  killing  several,  near  the  swamp,  who  were 
borne  off  by  their  comrades ;   it  being  a  principle 
among  the  savages,  to  carry  off  their  dead  at  the  risk 
of  their  lives.     We  remained  on  the  battle  ground, 
watching  the  movements  of  the  Indians,  who  were  near 
the  swamp,  painting  themselves,  and  appeared  to  be  in 
consultation  ;  all  which  indicated  a  renewal  of  the  com- 
bat.    Accordingly,  half  an  hour  before  sun  set,  having 
obtained  a  considerable  reinforcement  of  negroes  and 
Indians,  from  their  towns,  they  commenced  the  most 
horrid  yells  imaginable,  imitating  the  cries  and  noise 
of  almost  every  animal  of  the  forest ;  their  chiefs  ad- 
vancing, in  front,  in  a  stooping,  serpentine  manner,  and 
making  the  most  wild  and  frantic  gestures,  until  they 
approached  within  200  yards  of  usi  when  they  halted, 
and  commenced  firing.   Our  men  were  not  to  be  alarm- 
ed by  their  noise  and  yells  ;  but,  as  instructed,  remain- 
ed perfectly  still  and  steady,  behind  logs  and  trees,  un- 
til the  enemy,  by  this  forbearance,  had  approached 
?!omewhat  nearer,  when  a  brisk  and  well  directed  fire, 

G 


U,r 


q6 

from  our  line,  soon  drove  them  back  to  their  original 
ground.     1  would  now  have  ordered  the  charge  ;  but, 
being  under  the  necessity,  from  the  extension  of  the 
enemy's  line,  of  detaching  nearly  one  half  of  my  force 
to  protect  our  camp  and  wounded,  (the  assailing  of 
which,  is  a  great  object  with  Indians,)  I  was  left  to  con- 
tend with  a  force  three  times  as  numerous  as  my  own. 
The  action  lasted  until  8  o'clock,  when  the  enemy  were 
complelely  repulsed,  in  every  attempt.     We  had  two 
men  killed,  and  one  wounded ;  the  enemy  carried  off 
several  of  their  men  before  it  was  dark  ;  after  which, 
all  firing,  (of  course  at  random)  was  at  the  spot  from 
whence  the  flash  arose.     After  fighting,  and  fasting,  the 
whole  day,  we  had  to  work  through  the  night;,  and,  at 
dav-light,  had  a  tolerable  breast-work,  of  logsand  earth, 
wjlh  port  holes,  on  the  ground  on  which  the  battle  was 
fought :  we  were  reduc;ed  to  thJH  necessity ;  for,  in  dis- 
patching Capt.  VVhitaker,  about  dark,  to  St.  John's,  for 
a  reinforcement,  six  more  men  took  the  liberty  to  ac- 
company him,  taking  with  them  our  best  horses ;  our 
pilotand  surgeon,  (who  was  sick,)  was  among  the  num- 
ber.    The  two  days  succeeding  the  battle,  we  neither 
saw  nor  heard  any  thing  of  the  enemy  ;   but,  on  the 
evenmg  of  the  third  day,  they  commenced  firing  on 
our  work,  at  a  long  distance,  and  renewed  it  every  day 
for  5  or  6  days,  but  without  killing  or  wounding  any 
of  our  men.     After  killing  two   or  three  of  theni, 
through  our  port  holes,  they  seldom  came  within  gun- 
shot.    Seven  or  eight  days  had  now  elapsed,  since  our 
express  had  left  us  ;  hunger  was  staring  us  in  the  face 
and  we  were  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  eating  one  of 
our  horses  ;  we  had  no  surgeon,  to  dress  the  wounded, 
and  apprehensions  were  entertained,  that  the  enemy 
would  receive  reinforcements  from  Augustine,  or  the 
Makasukie  Indians.     Expecting  relief  every  hour  I 
was  unwilling  to  leave  our  breast-work,  while  we  had  a 
horse  left  to  eat;  but  T  understood,  from  some  of  mv 
othcers,  that  a  certain  Captain  was  determined  to  leave 
us,  with  his  company  ;  and,  that  many  of  the  men,  giv- 
mg  up  all  hopes  of  relief,  talked  of  deserting  in  the 


m 


night,  rather  than  perish,  or  fall  a  sacrilice  to  the  mer- 
cilesw  nej^rocs  and  Indians,  whom  iliuy  were  tauiiht  to 


believe  would  .surround  us  in  great  nuinhers,  in  i 
days.     In  this  trying  situation,  wlien  our  few  rei 


a  few 


mam- 


ing  horses  were  shot  down  by  them,  and  the  number  of 
our  sick  daily  increasing,  I  reluctantly  assented  to  leave 
our  works  that  niglit,  and  directed  the  litters  to  be  pre- 
pared, to  carry  the  wounded.  About  9  o'clock  we  com- 
menced our  distressing  march,  carrying  r>  wounded 
men  in  litters,  and  supporting  two  or  three  more.  We 
had  not  proceeded  more  than  eight  miles,  when  tlie 
men  became  perfectly  exhausted,  from  hunger  and  fa- 
tigue, and  were  unable  to  carry  the  wounded  any  far- 
ther. About  2  hours  after  we  left  our  breast-works, 
25  horsemen,  with  provisions,  arrived  to  our  relief,  on 
a  different  road  from  the  one  we  had  taken  ;  but,  from 
motives  best  known  to  themselves,  instead  of  following 
us,  returned  to  St.  John's,  and  we  were  left  to  encoun- 
ter new  difficulties.  AVe  again  constructed  a  plan  of 
defence,  and  I  dispatched  sergeant-major  Keeso,  with 
one  private,  to  Picolata,  to  learn  what  had  occasioned 
the  delay  of  our  expected  supplies ;  and  told  him,  I 
should  remain  where  I  was,  until  T  could  hear  from 
him,  and  endeavored  to  procure  cattle,  as  I  discovered 
signs  of  their  being  near  us      The  evil  genius  of  Capt. 

,  again  prevailed  ;    and  I  have  since  learned, 

from  Capt.  Cone,  that  this  person  instigated  not  only 
him,  but  many  of  the  privates,  to  urge  a  departure 
from  our  works,  even  in  the  day  time,  when  I  was  con* 
vinced  that  the  Indians,  knowing  our  weak  situation, 
would  endeavor  to  ambuscade.  This  gentleman,  if  in- 
nocent,  will  have  an  opportunity  of  proving  himself  bO, 
before  a  court  martial. 

With  a  burning  fever  on  me,  and  scarcely  able  to 
walk,  the  inarch  was  ordered,  about  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 
I  had  directed  the  Adjutant,  Captain  Harden,  to  march 
in  front,  to  avoid  all  places  where  there  could  be  an 
ambuscade,  and  the  litters  should  be  distributed  among 
the  different  companies.  Being  extremely  weak,  I 
marched  in  the  rear,  with  Captain ,  (who  carried 


■■"^'iB*'. 


62 


%\ 


J.I 


r  I 


my  firelock,)  Lieut.  Fannin,  and  15  or  20  privates. 
We  had  scarcely  marched  5  miles,  before  the  front  of 
the  detachment  discovered  the  heads  of  several  Indians, 
on  both  sides  of  the  path,  from  among  several  pine 
trees  ;   the  same  instant,  the  enemy  fired  upon  our  ad- 
vanced party,  and  shot  down  4  of  them;  one,  a  Spaniard, 
died  on  the  spot,  and  2  survived  a  few  days ;  my  negro 
boy  was  one  of  them.    The  moment  I  heard  the  firing, 
I  ordered  the  detachment  to  charge,  and  the  Indians 
were  completely  defeated,  in  15  minutes;  many   of 
them  dropping  their  guns,  and  the  whole  running  off, 
without  attempting  to  rally ;  four  were  left  dead  on  the 
field ;  and  1  am  convinced,  from  the  constant  fire  we 
kept  up,  that  many  more  must  have  been  slain,  but 
were  hid  from  our  view,  by  the  thick  Palmetto  bushes. 
We  lay  on  the  battle  ground  all  night,  and  started 
next  day  at  JO  o'clock — marched  5  miles,  and  again 
threw  up  breast-works,  between  two  ponds — living  upon 
gophers,  alligators,  and  Palmetto  stocks,  until  serjeant- 
major  Reese  arrived  with  provisions,  and  14  horses — 
when  we  were  enabled  to  proceed  to  St.  John's,  with 
all  our  sick  and  wounded,  where  a  gun-boat,  by  the 
direction  of  Col.  Smith,  was  in  waiting  for  us,  which 
conveyed  us  to  his  camp,  where  we  met  with  every  at- 
tention, that  humanity  or  benevolence  could  bestow. 
The  number  of  Indians,  in  the  first  engagement,  from 
every  circumstance  that  appeared,  must  have  been  from 
75  to  100.    In  the  second  engagement,  their  number 
must  have  been  double  our's ;  and,  in  the  third  engage- 
ment, there  appeared  to  be  50,  which  was  nearly  equal 
to  our  force,  deducting  sick  and  wounded.    I  believe 
the  loss  of  the  enemy  was  fifty. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

DANIEL  NEWMAN. 
His  Ex.  David  B.  Mitchell. 


!\' 


*53 
RUSSEL'S  INDIAN  EXPEDITION.  , 

Copif  of  a  letter  from  Col.  Russell,  commanding  a  detachment  of  the 
•  v.  States  Rangers,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated 

Camp  Russell y  31  st  Oct.  1812. 

SIR — This  will  inform  you,  that  I  arrived  at  this 
place,  from  Vincennes,  after  Gen.  Hopkins  had  march- 
ed his  mounted  nflemen  up  to  fort  Harrison.    I  took 
with  me,  a  part  of  tliree  companies  of  U.  States  ran- 
gers, where  I  was  joined  by  Gov.  Edwards,  with  his 
mounted  riflemen  ;  the  whole  of  our  strength  amount- 
ed to  360  privates.     We  penetrated  very  far  into  the 
Indian  country,  with  an  expectation  of  co-operating 
with  Gen.  Hopkins,  who,  by  appointment,  was  to  meet 
us  at  the  Peoria  towns,  on  the  Illinois.    In  this,  we 
were  sadly  disappointed,  as  we  could  get  no  intelli- 
gence of  his  army.    This  prevented  us  from  doing  as 
much  damage  to  the  Indians,  as  otherwise  we  could 
have  done.     As  our  numbers  were  too  weak  to  make 
any  delay  in  that  quarter ;  as  this  was  farther  than  any 
troops  had  hitherto  penetrated — we  stole  a  march  upon 
the  celebrated  Pimartam's  town,   situated   about  21 
miles  above  Peoria,  and  immediately  at  the  head  of 
Peoria  Lake.    This  was  a  well  built  town,  and  contain- 
ed a  number  of  Indians ;  between  tjie  towq  and  river, 
was  a  dismal  swamp,  in  which  they  immediately  flew 
for  shelter,  returning  a  few  scattering  shots.    Our  men 
nobly  pursued  them  through  the  swamp— and  also 
others,  as  they  were  crossing  the  Illinois  river ;  the 
men  also  pursued  them  to  the  opposite  bank,  and 
brought  back  some  of  their  canoes,  and  several  dead 
bodies.    The  Governor  states,  to  be  upwards  of  20 
killed,  of  the  enemy.— This  was  a  flourishing  town, 
with  an  immense  deal  of  Indian  plunder  in  it,  together 
with  a  great  deal  of  corn ;  all  of  which  was  committed 
to  the  flames.     I  believe  not  less  than  80  horses  fell  in- 
to our  hands,  belonging  to  the  enemy.    Several  white 
persons'  scalps,  were  also  found  among  their  plunder. 
I  had  the  immediate  command  of  the  battalion,  and 


r* 


II'  * 


54 

the  superior  command  was  retained  by  his  excellency 
the  Governor.  On  thi.  expedition,  we  were  fortunS 
we  had  but  4  men  wounded,  and  none  mortall:?:    Thi; 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

W.KUSSELL, 

Col  7th  Dist.  Comdt, 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  MACEDONIAN. 

*  • 

CoRy  of  a  Utter  from  Commodore  Decatur,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

Navy,  dated  if  J  ^ne 

U.  S.  Ship,  United  States, 

At  sea,  Oct,  30,  18J2.     , 
o^fJ^T^*'?^^  *^®  honour  to  inform  you  that,  on  the 

wt  h  1'h  '"f  '*•  ^^°  "."^*^'  *«"•  29°  30' west,  w^  fell  in 
with,  and  after  an  action  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  capt  ir 

ed  bv  ?anrr  h  "'^^'^^ '^  ^^^5  Macedonian.  commS- 
lu^/  J^^P*i"*^n  Garden,  and  mounting  49  carriage- 
guns-the  odd  gun  shifting.    She  is  a^rigafe  of  the  1 
largest  class,  two  years  oldf  four  months  out  of  do(i 
and  reputed  one  of  the  best  sailers  in  the  British  ser- 

vlnf;«-/f    "^^^  ^^'"S  ***  windward,  had  the  ad- 
vantage  of  engagmg  us  at  his  own  distance,  which  was 
so  great  that,  for  the  first  half  hour,  we  dM  not  use  ou 
ZiZ^^'V  ?"^  ''  "^  ^^'"^"^  ^^«  he  withrthe'co'nl 
Stance  ?nd  °/h."'  '""^q^ft^^r  grape ;  to  this  circum 
stance,  and  a  heavy  swell,  which  was  on  at  the  time  I 
ascribe  the  unusual  length  of  the  action.  * 

on  hoa^ri'^K 'T  ''^^''^'I  ^^^^"'  ^^^^'^^^  «"d  marine, 
onboard  this  ship,  on  discovering  the  enemv-thei 

could  not  be  surpassed—where  all  met  my  fullest  ex 

rermit  me,  however,  to  recommend  to  your  particular 

^mdwThi'*  ^^'"*r">  '^™-  H/Allen'^T  he  h 
aerved  with  me  upwards  of  5  years;  and,  to  his  unre- 


>y  his  excellency, 

e  were  fortunate; 

B  mortally.    This 

and  back  to  this 


ELL, 

ih  Dist.  Comdt. 


DONIAN. 

the  Secretary  of  the 

States, 
Oct,  30,  18 J2. 

you  that,  on  the  I 
'west,  we  fell  in  I 
id  a  half,  captur- 
^nian,  command- 
ing 49  caniage- 
a  frigate  of  the  1 
Lhs  out  of  dock, 
the  British  ser-f 
^d,  had  the  ad- 
ance,  which  was 
did  not  use  our  j 
within  the  coin- 
;  to  this  circum- 1 
►n  at  the  time,  I ' 
1. 

lan,  and  marine,  j 
B  enemy— their 
n  of  tlieir  fire, 
t  my  fullest  ex- 1 
to  discriminate,  j 
^our  particular 
Allen :    he  has 
id,  to  his  unre- 


*h5 

mitted  exertions,  in  disciplininff  the  crew  i'«  ♦..  k«  • 
hours  after  the  action:  he  r^"nnffi.*'V''^  ^  ^•^'^ 

With  the  highest,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

^IT  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED,  ONBOARD  THE 
UNITED  STATES, 

Killed— Privates  -  ♦ 

Womded-l  Lieut,  and  6  privates"      -        * 

Total,  killed  and  wounded. 


5 
7 

12 


ON  BOARD  THE  MACEDONIAN. 

Total,  killed  and  wounded  of  the  enemy,  ,"5J 

S.  DECATUR. 


Killed, 


56 


fi  * 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  NIAGARA. 

To  Brigadier  General  Smyth,  commanding  the  Army 

of  the  Centre. 

SIR — I  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  21st  Nov.  at  6  o'clock,  a  heavy  cannonading  I 
opened  upon  this  garrison,  from  all  the  batteries  at,  and  | 
in  the  neighborhood  of  fort  George,  which  lasted,  with- 
out intermission,  imtil  after  sun-down.    They  had  5 1 
detached  batteries ;  2  mounting  24  pounders,  1  mount- 
ing a  9  pounder,  and  2  mortar  batteries;  one  ten  ahd  al 
half,  and  the  other  five  and  a  half  inch— the  batteries 
firing  hot  shot,  which  set  some  of  our  buildings  on  fire. 
But,  from  the  extraordinary  vigilance  of  the  officers 
and  men,  particularly  Major  Armistead,  of  the  U.  S. 
corps  of  engineers,  whose  indefatigable  exertions  were 
extended  to  all  parts  of  the  garrison,  the  fires  were  got 
under,  without  being  observed  by  the  enemy. 

Our  garrison  was  not  as  well  provided  with  artillery 
and  ammunition,  as  I  could  have  wished;  however,  thej 
batteries  opened  a  tremendous  fire  upon  them,  in  re- 
turn, with  hot  shot,  admirably  well  directed.     Several! 
times,  during  the  canijpnading,  the  town  of  Newark  was 
in  flames;  but  was  extinguished  by  their  engines,  as  I 
also  the  centre  building  in  fort  George.    Their  Mess-j 
house,  and  all  the  buildings  near  it,"  were  consumed.! 
Capt.  M'Keon,  commanded  a  12  pounder,  in  the  S.f 
E.' block-house,  and  distinguished  himself,  by  his  usual 
gallantry  and  skill.     Capt.  Jacks,  of  the  7th  regiment,! 
militia  artillery,  commanded  a  6  pounder  in  the  north! 
block-house  -  and,  together  with  a  pail  of  his  own  coin-j 
pany,  though  placed  in  a  situation  most  exposed  to  thej 
fire  of  the  enemy,  maintained  their  position  like  vetel 
rans.     Lieut.  Reese,  of  the  3d  regiment,  artillery,  had! 
the  command  of  an  18  pounder,  on  the  S.  E.  batter),! 
which  was  pointed  at  a  battery,  en  barbette,  mounting  a  I 
24  pounder,  and  also  at  Fort  George  ;  several  well  di-j 
rected  shot  were  made  from  this  gun,  which  proved  the! 
skill  of  its  commander.    About  10  o'clock,  Lieutenant 


Rees  had  hia  shoulder  bruised,  bv  a  Dart  nt  ik.  ». 
felhW  on  hhn ,  which,  Viough  i.lid  n^rmlriallS^* 
hun,  obhged  h.m  to  retire ;  and  capt.  Leonard?  oWlH 
regiment,  artilierr,  at  that  moment  arriving*,.  .„b  .u 
command  of  this  battery,  durinSremZf;,  f  fi?  j  *** 
Lieut.  Wcndel,  of  the  S  reZfnt  artilT^  hlf .?'  ''^y- 
mand  of  »  ,8  and  4  pom,ir^ ttl^ZtLt"'"':; 
Doctor  Hooper,  of  Caft  Jack^company  of  Sa^a«m, 

ui  mese  gentlemen,  and  their  commands,  1  cannot  snnat 

Sly'^and  "t^P^h"-  '  ^^  ,*^%-hed  SX' 
injgnij,  and,  irom  their  shot,  a  I  of  which  wpr«  hr.*  lu 

b^hl^"'^'i"^^^T^*^^»^fi-<^"-^^^ 

lmy.3  batteries  silenced  for  a  time. 

Lvf  "Jf  *^f  ^  °C7^7  extraordinary  bravery,  in  a  female 

l(the  wife  of  one  Doyfe,  a  private  in  the  U.  States  arXr^* 

made  a  prisoner  at  Queenstown)  I  cannot  pass  over  •- 

idurmg  the  most  tremendous  cannonading  I  ha^ve  ever  seJI 

she  attended  the  6  oounder,  on  the  old  messW  w^^ 

L.V^"*';-^^"'^uT*.^"*^  ^^"•^«'  «^  Ae  1st  regiment  U 

States  artillery,  had  the  command  of  the  salt  Cv  ai 

lYoungstown,  mounting  one  18  and  a  4  pounder    Sese 

fcwo  guns  played  upon  the  garrison  of  fort  Sge  and 

bkelZtr''«^*'*    ^™  r^y  observation  f  could 
Imake,  during  their  fire,  I  am  happy  to  say,  thev  merited 

ny  warmest  thanks,  for  their  skiK  the  seVce^of  these 
?uns  Lieut.  Harr  s,  from  his  4  pounder,  sunk  a  schoon 
BF,  which  lay  at  their  wharf;  Jthese  t;o  officert  and 
Itheir  men,  m  the  warmest  part  of  the  cannonadbl  hav- 
ing fired  away  all  their  cartridges,  cut  up  their  lannll 
Wcoats.and  shirts  and  the  s^oldiers  thefr  t"s  ^ 
Lupp^  their  guns.-I  cannot  say  too  much  in  praTse  of  all 

LI  nb  ?^  ' -^^'l^'  ^^*^"  ^^*'"^n^'  immedLly  under 
hiy  observation,  m  this  garrison;  thev  merit  theWks 
and  esteem  of  their  country,  for  the  defence  of  it,  and  I 

The  enemy  threw  more  than  2000  red-hot  balls  into 

H 


^ 


:■  i 


5«, 

it,  at}d  ft  number  of  bbells,  {imounting  to  180,  only  oi)e  ol' 
which  did  injury  to  our  men.  Lieut.  Col.  Gruy  comtnando 
id  the  artillery ;  the  unremitting  attention  paid  to  his  du- 
ty, proved  him  an  officer,  whose  zeal  and  science  do  hon- 
or to  himself  and  country ;  to  this  gentleman  I  feel  Bauch 
indebted,  for  the  manner  in  which  he  acquitted  himself. 

To  tiie  officers  of  my  regiment,  (particularly  Captain 
Milligan)  and  the  soldiers  who  assisted  the  artillery,  and 
those  employed  in  extinguishing  the  fires,  and  carrying  off 
the  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  also  much  indebtedf — they  i 
merit  my  warmest  thanks.     To  Dr.  West,  of  the  garrison,  j 
Dr.  Au^am,  of  the  14th  regiment,  U.  States  Infantry,  and  I 
Dr.  Craig,  of  the  22d  regiment,  U.  States  infantry,  I  offer 
my  thanks ;  they  were  employed,  during  the  entire  day, 
in  the  most  critical  duties  of  their  proiiession. 

Our  killed  is,  4.  Wounded,  7 — total  11. — From  the 
numbers  carried  off  (which  we  saw)  from  the  enemy's 
batteries,  I  presume  many  more  Were  killed  and  wounded, 
on  their  side.  Only  two  of  the  above  men  was  killed  by 
the  enemy's  shot ;  the  others,  by  the  bursting  of  a  121 
pounder,  in  the  S.  E.  battery. 

GEORGE  M'FEELEY,  Lieut.  Col 


Brig.  Gen.  Smyth. 


Conammanding  Fort  Niagara, 


['  i' 


EXPEDITION  ON  THE  WABASH. 

Cqtgvfa  letter  froth  Mag.  Gen.  Samuel  Hopkins,  to  kw  ExeelUruyl 

Governor  Shelby. 

On  Wabashy  near  the  mouth  of  Pine-creeU 
27th  Nov.  1812. 
SIR^By  Col.  Richard  Taylor,  Quarter-master  Gene-, 
ral,  who  goes  on  as  quick  as  possible  to  Frankfort,!  have 
It  m  my  power  to  give  you  general  information  of  the 
nioVetoents  tfflhe  army,  siace  my  last.— On  the  11th,  the 


•  />' 


OS 

wmymarelwd  from  fort  Harrisnn  „n  .i.         j  ■• 
ma/e  by  Gov.  Harriaon's  a™v    "d  L  K  T**  '"™"^' 
the  saaie  time.     The  ieng,r«f  rime  th,     "  "^VS'  »' 
pected  unmade  it  «eoes "£  ,o  eS^rd  ^r^""^-  ^  *"• 
pecal  mamier.    The  rise  S'.h/,    .    '"'"«'™s  m  an  es, 

<«no  doubt  of  comidcSdifficultvrd  /^  '='*'='"•  ''=''' 
insomuch,  that  not  until  theTr,7,1?i  ^•^'""^ment; 

Creek,  3  miles  above  the  r*d  ^  **  ^^  ^"S'" 

that  ,ve  did  not  reiW;  P^te^runter'' 
on  the  mornmg  of  this  day,  I  Setached  irm  II      .      * ' 

from '30  to  zil^r, -T  "''?•".**'  '«'"^^^'  ""'"y  of  t£ 

of  the  countiy,  and  constnuotine  works  for  i)^l/ 
rfour  army  and  boats.    Set^naSlastrf t  ^^ 
Ponce  i»a,B«  creek,  a  party  of  Indian.  *e,^  *^^edt! 


4 


*...-^*r 


*'«tiimrdgiiiL- 


'» 1 


to 

they  had  fired  on  ^  small  party  of  burs,  on  the  2l8t,  and 
killed  a  man,  by  the  name  of  Dunn,  a  fi;allant  soldier,  in 
Capt,  Duvairs  company.     On  the  22d,  upwards  of  sixty 
horsemen,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Colonels  Miller 
and  Wilcox,  anxious  to  bury  their  comrade,  as  well  as  to 
obtain  a  more  complete  knowledge  of  the  ground,  went  on 
to  a  point  near  the  Indian  encampment,  fell  into  an  am- 
buscade, and  18  of  our  party  were  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing.     Among  these,  are  three  hopeful  young  officers, 
and  one  private,  from  the  8th  regiment,  viz.— Mars,  Ed-  j 
wards,  Murray,  and  the  private,  Webb,  presumed  to  be 
killed ;  the  other  14,  were  of  the  Rangers.    On  the  re- 
turn of  this  party,  «nd  the  information  of  a  large  assem-  J 
blaae  of  the  enemy,  who,  encouraged  by  the  strength  of 
their  camp,  appeared  to  be  M^aiting  for  us,  every  prepara- 
tion was  made  to  march  early,  and  engage  the  enemy  at  I 
every  risk  ;  when,  from  the  most  violent  storm,  and  fall  of  I 
snow,  attended  with  the  coldest  weather  I  ever  saw  or  f 
felt,  at  this  season  of  the  year,  and  which  did  not  subside 
until  the  evening  of  the  23d,  we  were  delayed  until  the 
24th.     Upon  arriving  on  the  ground,  we  found  the  enemy 
had  deserted  the  camp  before  the  fall  of  snow,  and  had! 
passed  the  Ponce  Passu.  I  have  no  doubt  but  their  ground 
was  the  strongest  I  ever  have  seen ;  the  deep,  rapidcreekj 
spoken  of,  was  in  their  rear,  running  in  a  semicircle,  and! 
fronted  by  a  bluff,  100  feet  high,  almost  perpendicular,! 
and  only  to  be  penetrated  by  three  steep  ravines ;  if  the! 
enemy  would  not  defend  themselves  here,  it  was  evidentl 
they  did  not  intend  fighting  at  all.     After  reconnoiteringl 
sufficiently,  we  returned  to  camp,  and  found  the  ice  so  ac-j 
cumulated,  as  to  alarm  us  for  the  return  of  the  boats.    ll 
had  fully  determined  to  have  spent  one  more  week  in  enJ 
deavoring  to  find  the  Indian  camps ;    but  the  shoeless,! 
shirtless  state  of  the  troops,  now  clad  in  the  remnants  ofl 
their  summer  dress ;  a  river  full  of  ice ;  the  hills  coveredl 
with  snow ;  a  rigid  climate,  and  no  certain  point  to  which! 
we  could  direct  our  operations;  under  the  influence  of  the! 
advice  of  every  field  and  staff  officer,  orders  were  given,! 
and  measures  pursued  for  our  return,  on  the  25th.    We! 
are  now  progressiiig  to  Fort-Harrison,  through  the  ice! 


61 

and  snow,  Trherd  we  exoect  tn  nr-;^       .1     . 

this  month.  ^     *"  ^'^"^  «"  ^e  Jast  daj  of 

J  Before  I  close  this.  I  mnnr.*  /•  u 
Lerite  of  the  officers  .„d,S°„f±'/  ''P'T"»  *« 
leaving,  ..  fort  H.rri,o„r&'t  S^wf-h  ^"^' 
Ipnvates  of  every  corps,  about  innn—-  ,1^'  "«,'»<',  in 
at  the  P«.phet',^towrupwa.^,X2"  f'r,'"''''  '^' 
the  sick  reUrt    Yet   sir  h»vl  i        "'  **»*  "''■'e  <>« 

Ur,  as  to  «enac:\':?iri"'f  PjiT'''''  '"'""' 
(Seven  laive  keel  Uats  have  S'  j*"^  annoyance. 

to  a  poin/hithertSoTn  ^  ndlT::' £r^^''«'' 
Barge  Indian  estabhshments  have  Cbnmf  J  S  J  ^^"^ 
H  with  near  tliree  miles  of  fence  r^„JiV  "?''  ^'='™y- 
couidfind,)  besides  r»;ifetjll*\™™  T 
feast  side  of  the  Wabash  v^Z  ""'''—»  "arch,  on  the 
fce  country,  fuUv  100  ^ll.         ?   "f^'  "••  '"enhance  of 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
m  Es.  Co..  ShcHi,.  ^"*"^^  HOPKINS. 


*  ■! 


ARMY  PROCEEDINGS. 

SIR     Ti,     .  ^°'"^'  "'"^  ^^^o^w.  *th  Dec.  1812 

lutv  to  ^port  to  you  .he  p^  ediChad  ht^^^^^  "i 
M  command  on  this  frontier        ^  ^'  """  ' 

Cssi:5^t"^^^^^^^^^^  '  orde.d  that  20 

y  and  artillery,  aTC.^fhi  *»^"«portation  of  caval- 

bat  duty.    fiAhe  2&h  N    "!T^»*«^«  «f  the  army  upon 

7.    ^y  the  26th  Nov.  ten  scows  were  compJetS ; 


#. 


-ifxC;: 


ill 


h  .  f 


and,  by  bringing  boats  from  Lake  Ontario,  the  number 
was  increased  to  seventy. 

I  had  issued  an  address,  to  the  men  of  New-York ;  and, 
perhaps,  300  volunteers  had  arrived  at  Buffaloe.  I  pre. 
sumed  that  the  regular  troops,  and  the  volunteers,  under 
Colonels  Swift  and  M'Clure,  would  furnish  2,300  men,  for 
duty  ;  and,  of  Gen.  Tannehill's  brigade,  renorting  a  total 
of  1,650,  as  many  as  413  had  volunteered  to  cross  over 
into  Canada.  I  deemed  myself  ready  "  to  cross  with  3O00 
men,  at  once^'^  according  to  your  orders.  Preparatory 
thereto,  on  the  night  of  the  27th  Nov.  1  sent  over  two 
parties  ;  one,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler ;  the  other,  un.  I 
der  Capt.  King,  with  whom  Lieut.  Angus,  of  the  navy,  at 
the  head  ol  a  body  of  seamen,  united. 

The  first  mentioned  party  was  to  capture  a  guard,  and 
destroy  a  bridge,  about  5  miles  below  fort  Erie ;  the  se. 
cond  party  were  to  take,  and  render  useless  the  enemy's  I 
batteries,  and  some  pieces  of  light  artillery.  The  firstl 
party  made  some  prisoners,  but  failed  to  destroy  the  bridge! 
The  second  party,  after  rendering  unserviceable  the  lightl 
artillery,  separated,  by  some  misapprehension.  T^ieiitl 
Angus,  the  seamen,  and  part  of  the  troops  returned,  witlj 
all  the  boats,  while  Capt.  King,  Capt.  Morgan,  CaptI 
Sproul,  Lieut.  Houston,  and  about  sixty  men,  reraainedl 
Capt.  King,  notwithstanding,  with  those  under  his  comi 
mand,  advanced  to  the  enemy's  batteries,  attacked  anJl 
took  two  of  them  in  succession,  rendered  unserviceable! 
the  cannon,  and  took  a  number  of  prisoners.  In  descendJ 
ing  the  Niagara  some  distance,  two  boats  were  found-j 
on  board  of  which  Capt.  King  sent  his  prisoners,  all  hil 
officers,  and  half  his  men  ;  his  high  sense  of  honour  wouil 
not  allow  him  to  quit  the  remainder — he  was  captur" 
with  them. 

Orders  had  beoa  given,  that  all  the  troops  in  the  nei^ 
borhood,  should  march  at  revalie,  to  the  place  of  embart 
tion.     A  part  of  the  detachment,  sent  in  the  night,  haviia 
returned,  and  having  excited  apprefaen^om  for  the  rest 
due,  about  250  men,  under  Col.  Winder,  put  off",  in  boaii 
for  the  opposite  ahoire^  a  part  of  their  iorce  had  lande^ 
when  a  force,  with  a  piece  of  artillery,  appeared ;— a  ■ 


'  kiJt 


iof  the  number 


63 

treat  was  ordered,  and  Cok  Winder's  detachment  suffered 
*«  "'  ^K  '  ^""^  20  wounded}  of  whom,  six  were 
officers.  The  ffeneral  embarkation  commenced,  as  the 
troops  arrived  ;^ut,  this  being  the  first  time  the  troops 
had  embarked,  the  whole  of  the  scows  were  occupied  L 
about  one  third  part  of  the  artillery;  while  about  800  re- 
gularmfantry,  somethmg  upwards  of  200  twelve  month^B 
volunteers,  and,  perhaps,  2W  of  those  militia  who  had  vo- 
llunteered  their  services  for  a  few  days,  occupied  all  the 
boats  that  were  ready  The  troops,  then  embarked, 
moved  up  the  stream,  to  Black  Rock,  without  sustaining 
loss  from  the  enemy's  fire.  It  was  now  the  afternoon,  and 
they  were  ordered  to  disembark,  and  dine.  The  onemv 
showed  a  force,  estimated  at  five  or  six  hundred  men, 
drawn  up  m  a  held,  at  some  distance  from  the  river:  and 
had  one  piece  of  artillery,  said  to  be  a  9  pounder,  ready  to 
fire  on  our  troops.  7         ^  *« 

There  remained,  unembarked,  a  part  of  the  artillerr; 
a  lew  cavalry;   the  volunteers,  under  Col.  M*Clure-- 
amounting,  on  that  day,  to  340  men ;  a  detachment  from 
C>en.  lannehill's  brigade;  (number  unknown,  and  little 
to  be  relied  on,)  there  were  also  sundry  crowds,  who 
[might  have  followed  the  army— if  it  was  successful. 
*    Kecollecting  your  instructions,  « to  cross  with  3000 
men  at  once, '  and  to  consult  some  of  my  principal  officers, 
m     all  important  movements,"  I  called  for  the  field  offi- 
cers, of  the  regular  and  twelve  months  volunteerfi,  om- 
barked ;  Col.  Porter  not  being  found  at  the  moment,  Capt 
(jibson  was  called,  as  the  next  senior  officer  of  artillery 
These  questions  were  put :— "  Is  it  expedient  now  to  cross 
lover  .-^     is  the  force,  we  have,  sufficient  to  conquer  the 
opposite  coast  ?''     The  first  question  was  decided  in  the 
negative,  by  Colonels  Parker,  Schuyler, -Winder,  Lieut. 
Colonels  Boerstler  and  Coles,  and  Major  Campbell.    Col. 
awilt,  ol  the  volunteers,  alone  gave  an  opinion  for  then 
crossmg  over.     The  second  question  was  not  decided  ;— 
Col.  Parker,  Col.  Schuyler,  Lieut.  Col.  Coles,  and  Major 
Camnbell,  were  decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  force  was 
insufficient  ;--ColoneIs  Winder  and  Swift,  Lieut.  Colonel 
Boerstler,  and  Capt.  Gibson,  deemed  the  force  sufficiftnt.— 


i\ 


ii 


^Jb,. 


U  V 


1  determined  to  postpone  crossing  over^  until  more  torn-' 
plete  preparation  would  enable  me  to  embark  at  once^  ac 
cording  to  your  instructions:  the  next  day  was  spent  in 
such  preparations,  and  the  troops  were  ordered  to  be 
again  at  the  place  of  embarkation^  at  8  o'clock,  on  the 
inomiug  of  the  30th  November.  On  their  arrival,  they 
were  sent  into  the  adjacent  woods,  there  to  build  fires, 
and  remain  until  3  o'clock  in  the  morning,  of  the  1st  of 
December,  when  it  was  intended  to  put  off  two  hours  be* 
fore  day-light,  so  as  to  avoid  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  can- 
non. ;  in  passing  the  oosition  which,  it  was  believed  thej 
occupied  below,  to  land  above  Chippewa,  assault  that 
place,  and,  if  successful,  march  through  Queenstown,  to 
fort  George.  The  Contractor  was  called  on,  to  furnish 
rations,  for  2500  men,  for  four  days ;  when  it  was  found, 
he  could  furnish  the  pork,  but  not  the  flour ;  sixty  barrels 
were  required,  and  only  thirty  furnished.  The  embarka- 
tion commenced  ,*  but  was  delayed  by  circumstances,  so  as 
not  to  be  completed  until  after  day-light— when  it  was 
found,  the  re^ar  infantry,  688  men,  the  artillery,  177 
men,  Col.  Swift's  volunteers,  about  230,  six  companies  of ' 
Federal  Volunteers,  amounting  to  276  men,  about  lOQ 
militia,  of  Col.  Dobbins's  regiment,  and  a  few  men  iii  a 
boat  with  Mr.  P.  B.  Porier,  contractor's  agent,  who  was 
to  pilot  the  enterprize,  had  embarked ;  the  wbole  on  board, 
without  the  commissioned  officers,  being  1500  men;  and 
it  was  now  two  hours  later  than  the  time  fixed  on  for 
setting  out 

There  were  some  groups  of  men,  not  yet  embarked; 
they  were  applied  to,  requested,  and  ordered,  by  the 
Bri^de  Major,  to  get  into  the  boats ;  they  did  not.  He 
estimated  their  number  at  150 — it  was  probably  greater, 

It  then  becQine  a  question,  whether  it  was  expedient  to 
invade  Canada,  in  open  day-light,  with  1500  men,  at  a  point 
where  no  reinforcement  could  be  expected  for  some  days. 
I  saw  that  the  number  of  regular  troops  was  declining  ra- 
pidly ;  I  knew  that  on  them,  chiefly,  1  was  to  depend. 

I  called  together  officers,  commanding  corps  of  the  re- 
gular army.  Col.  Parker  being  sick,  those  present  were 
Col.  Porter,  of  the  artillery,  Col.  Schuyler,  CoL  Winder. 


65 

we  proceed  ;-       I  hey  unanimously  ilecidod  that  we  oujrht 

not.-lforesaw  hat  the  volunteers,  who  had  come  out%r 

a  few  dap,  would  disperse.     Several  of  them  Zl  on  thi 

evening  of  the  25th    Uken  their  musketsXi^'hey 

had  not  seen  a  battle ;  I  foresaw  that  the  number  of  re^ 

gular  troops  would  decrease;  the  measles  had  affected 

them  generally ;  the  constant  use  of  fresh  meat  had  pro- 

ducecT  dysenteries,  and   thej  were  now  in  tents    in*^th« 

month  ol  December.     I  informed  the  officers  thai  he  at 

tempt  to  mvade  Canada  would  not  be  made,  'u^U  the  a  I 

my  was  remforced,  and  directed  them  to  M;ithdraw  thel; 

roops,  and  cover  them  with  huts  immediately.  The  v^ 

lunteers,  and  neighbonng  people,  were  dissatisfied,  and  U 

has  been  m  the  power  of  tL  contractor's  agent  to  excite 

some  clamor  agamst  the  course  pursued  ;  he  finds  the  co„! 

tract  a  losmg  one,  at  this  time,  and  would  wish  to  see  the 

army  m  Canada,  that  he  might  not  be  bound  to  supply  it 

mand,  had  not  been  such,  as  to  make  the  propriety  of  a 
forward  movement  to  all.  Circumstanced  as  we  were  I 
have  thought  ,t  my  duty  to  follow  the  cautiouTcrunTels 

I  ixSdetr ''  ^^^^•^•^"'-'  '^  ^''  --^"-« 

i  n  J  wk""'"-  P?'''^'T^  "?  '"*'*'''^''  ^y  my  »««er  of  the  30th 
Oct.  wherem  I  sa.d~«  I  would  cross  in  three  days,  if  I  had 

I  he  means;  without  them,  it  would  be  injustice  to  the  na- 
tion and  myself,  to  attempt  it-7  must  nit  be  deLTd. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Maj.  Ben.  i>»^^™'^^«  ««™'  ^^-  «- 


\k' 


HEALD'S  DEFEAT  BY  THE  INDIANS. 

l^er  from  Captain  Heald,  late  Commandant  at  Fort  Chicago,  dated 

On  ih.  QfK    r  A  ,     ^*''**«'-5r*.  Oct.  23.  1812. 

I  H,?I  M  «f  August  last,  I  received  orders  from  Gen. 

I  Hull,  to  evacuate  the  post,  and  proceed,  with  my  command. 


,;''«' 


^v 


i*>\ 


60 

to  Detroit  by  land,  leaving  it  at  my  discretion,  to  dispose 
of  the  public  property  as  I  thought  fit. 

The  neighboring  Indians  got  the  information,  as  early 
as  I  did ;  and  came  in,  from  allauarters,  in  order  to  receive 
the  goods  in  the  factory  store,  which  they  understood  were 
to  be  given  them.  On  the  13th,  Capt.  Wells,  of  Fort 
Wayne,  arrived,  with  about  thirty  Miamies,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  escorting  us  in,,  by  the  reauest  of  Gen.  Hull.  On 
the  14th,  I  delivered  the  Indians  all  the  goods  in  the  facto- 
ry store,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  provisions,  which 
we  could  not  take  away  with  us.  The  surplus  arms,  and  1 
ammunition,  I  thought  proper  to  destroy,  fearing  the)/ 
would  make  a  bad  use  of  it,  if  put  into  their  possession ; 
I  also  destroyed  all  the  liquor  on  hand,  soon  after  they  be- 
gan  to  collect.  The  collection  was  unusually  large  for 
3iat  place,  but  they  conducted  with  the  strictest  propriety 
until  I  left  the  fort. 

On  the  15th,  at  9  in  the  morning,  we  commenced  our 
march ;  a  part  of  the  Miamies  were  detached  in  front,  and 
the  remainder  in  our  rear,  as  guards,  under  the  direction 
of  Capt.  Wells.     The  situation  of  the  country  rendered  it 
necessary  for  us  to  take  the  beach,  with  the  lake  on  our 
left,  and  a  high  sand-bank  on  our  right,  at  about  100| 
yards  distance.     We  had  proceeded  about  a  mile  and 
half,  when  it  was  discovered  that  the  Indians  were  prepar- 
ed to  attack  us,  from  behind  the  bank.     I  immediately 
marched  up  with  the  company,  to  the  top  of  the  bank. 
when  the  action  commenced:  after  firing  one  round,  we 
charged,  and  the  Indians  gave  wajr  in  front,  and  joined 
those  on  our  flanks.     In  about  15  minutes,  they  got  pos- 
session of  all  our  horses,  provisions,  and  baggage,  of  eve-i 
ry  description ;  and,  finding  the  Miamies  did  not  assist  Ui. 
I  drew  off  the  few  men  I  had  left,  and  took  possession  of  a 
small  elevation,  in  the  open  priarie,  out  of  shot  of  the  bank,! 
and  every  other  cover.     The  Indians  did  not  follow  me. 
but  assembled  in  a  body,  on  the  top  of  the  bank,  and  after  I 
some  consultation  among  themselves,  made  signs  for  mel 
to  approach  them.  | 

I  advanced  towards  them,  alone,  and  was  met  by  one  oil 
the  Potawatamie  chiefs,  called  the  Black-bird,  with  an  in-r 


'n-i 


i<^ 


67 

terpreter;  after  shaking  hands,  he  requested  me  to  sur- 
render, promising  to  spare  the  lives  of  all  the  prisoners. 
On  a  few  moments'  consideration,  I  concluded  it  would  be 
most  prudent  to  comply  with  his  refjuest,  although  I  did 
not  put  entire  confidence  in  his  promise.    After  deliyerinff 
up  our  arms,  we  were  taken  back  to  their  encampment, 
near  the  fort,  and  distributed  among  the  different  tribes. 
The  next  morning,  they  set  fire  to  the  fort,  and  left  the 
place,  taking  the  prisoners  with  them ;  their  number  of 
warriors  was  between  4  and  500,  mostly  of  the  Potawa- 
timie  nation,  and  their  loss  was  about  15.     Our  strength 
was  54  regulars,  and  12  militia— out  of  which,  26  regu- 
lars, and  all  the  militia,  wsre  killed  in  the  action,  with  two 
women  and  twelve  children.     Ensign  Ronan,  and  Doctor 
Voorhis,  of  my  company,  with  Captain  Wells,  of  Fort 
Wayne,  to  my  great  sorrow,  numbered  among  die  dead. 
Lieut.  Helm,  with  25  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates, and  1 1  women  and  children,  were  prisoners  when 
ri  were  senarated.     Mrs.  Heald  and  myself,  were  taken 
to  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Joseph,  and,  being  both  bad- 
ly wounded,  were  permitted  to  reside  with  Mr.  Burnet,  an 
Indian  trader.     In  a  few  days  after  our  arrival  there,  the 
Indians  all  went  off  to  take  fort  Wayne ;  and,  in  their  ab- 
sence, I  engaged  a  Frenchman  to  take  us  to  Mackinac,  by 
water,  where  I  gave  myself  up  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  with 
one  of  mjr  sergeants.     The  commanding  officer,  Capt  Ro- 
berts, offered  me  every  assistance  in  his  power,  to  render 
our  situation  comfortable,  while  we  remained  there,  and 
to  enable  us  to  proceed  on  our  journey.     To  him  I  gave 
my  p?irole  of  honor,  and  came  on  to  Detroit,  and  reported 
myself  to  Col.  Proctor,  who  gave  us  apassage  to  Buffaloe ; 
from  that  place,  I  came  by  way  of  Presque-Isle,  and  ar- 
rived here  yesterday.  J.  HEALD,  Captain, 


ELLIOT'S  AFFAIR  ON  LAKE  ERIE. 

Letter  from  Captain  Elliot,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated 

Black-JRo€k,Oct.9lh,lS12. 
SIR — 1  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  8th  inst  two  British  vessels,  which  I  was  in- 


I  i 


*■ 


1 


I.'f     H  > 


jii  ii 


^'i 


If'.  I 


f^i 


formed  were  his  Britannic  majesty's  brig  Detroit,  (late 
the  U.  S.  brig  Adams,)  and  the  brig  Hunter,  mounting 
14  guns,  but  which  afterwards  proved  to  be  the  brig  Ca- 
ledonia,  both  said  to  be  well  armed  and  manned,  came 
down  the  lake,  and  anchored  under  the  protection  of  fort 
Erie.  Having  been  on  the  lines,  for  some  time,  and,  in  a 
measure,  inactively  employed,  I  determined  to  make  an 
attack,  and,  if  possible,  get  possession  of  them.  A  strong 
inducement  to  this  attempt,  arose  from  a  conviction  that, 
with  these  two  vessels,  added  to  those  I  have  purchased, 
and  am  fitting  out,  I  should  be  able  to  meet  the  remainder 
of  the  British  force,  on  the  Upper  Lakes,  and  save  an  in- 
calculable expence  and  labour  to  the  government. 

On  the  morning  of  their  arrival,  I  heard  that  our  sea- 
men  were  but  a  short  distance  from  this  place,  and  imme- 
diately dispatched  an  express  to  the  officers,  directing 
them  to  use  all  possible  dispatch,  in  getting  their  men  to 
this  place,  as  I  had  important  service  to  perform.  On 
their  arrival,  which  was  about  12  o'clock,  I  discovered 
that  they  had  only  twenty  pistols,  and  neither  cutlasses 
nor  battle-axes.  But,  on  application  to  Generals  Smyth 
and  Hall,  of  the  regulars  and  militia,  I  was  supplied  with 
a  few  arms ;  and  Gen.  Smyth  was  so  good,  on  my  request, 
as  immediately  to  detach  50  men  from  the  regulars,  armed 
with  musquets. 

By  4  o^clock,  P.  M.  I  had  my  men  selected,  and  sta- 
tioned  in  two  boats,  which  I  had  previously  prepared  for  I 
the  purpose.     With  these  boats,  50  men  in  each,  and  un- 
der circumstances  very  disadvantageous,  my  men  having 
scarcely  had  time  to  refresh  themselves,  after  a  fatiguing  I 
march  of  500  miles,  I  put  off  from  the  mouth  of  Buffaloe 
creek,  at  1  o'clock,  the  following  morning,  and  at  3, 1  was 
along  side  the  vessels.     In  the  space  of  about  10  minutes,  | 
I  had  the  prisoners  all  secured,  the  top-sails  sheeted  home,  I 
and  the  vessels  under  way.     Unfortunately,  the  wind  was 
not  sufficiently  strong  to  get  me  up  against  a  rapid  cur- 
rent, into  the  lake,  where  1  had  understood  another  arm- 
ed vessel  lay  at  anchor ;  and  I  was  obliged  to  run  down 
the  river,  by  the  forts,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  round,  grape, 
and  canister,  from  a  number  of  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance. 


69 

and  several  pieces  of  flying  artillery,  was  compelled  to  an- 
chor  at  the  distance  of  about  400  yards  from  tv/o  of  their 
batteries.     Alter  the  discharge  of  the  first  gun,  which  was 
from  the  flying  artillery,  I  hailed  the  shore,  and  observed 
to  the  oflicer,  that  if  another  gun  was  fired,  I  would  brinff 
the  prisoners  on  deck,  and  expose  them  to  the  same  fate  wl 
should  all  share;  but,  notwithstanding,  they  disreffarded 
the  caution,  and  continued  a  constant,  and  destructive  fire 
One  single  moment's  reflection,  determined  me  not  to  com- 
mit an  act,  that  would  subject  me  to  the  imputation  of  bar- 
barity.    1  he  Caledonia  had  been  beached,  in  as  safe  a 
position  as  the  circumstances  would  admit  of,  under  one 
of  ourbattenes  at  Black  Rock.     I  now  brought  all  the 
guns  of  the  Detroit  on  one  side,  next  the  enemy,  stationed 
he  men  at  them,  and  directed  a  fire,  which  continued  as 
long  as  our  ammunition  lasted,  and  circumstances  permit- 
ted.     Uuring  the  contest,  I  endeavored  to  get  the  Detroit 
on  one  side,  by  sounding  a  line,  (there  being  no  wind,)  on 
shore,  with  all  the  line  I  could  muster;  but,  the  current 
being  so  strong,  the  boat  could  not  reach  the  shore.     I 
then  hailed  our  shore,  and  requested  that  warps  Would  be 
made  fast  on  land,  and  sent  on  board ;  the  attempt  proved 
useless.     As  the  fire  was  such  as  would,  in  all  probability, 
sink  the  vessel  m  a  short  time,  I  determined  to  drift  down 
the  river,  out  of  reach  of  their  batteries,  and  make  a  stand 
against  the  flying  artillery. 

I,  accordingly,  cut  the  cable,  made  sail  with  very  liffht 
airs,  and  at  that  instant  discovered  that  the  pilot  hadf  aban- 
doned me.     I  dropped  astern  for  about  ten  minutes,  when 
I  was  brought  up  on  our  shore,  on  Squaw  Island— ffot  the 
boarding:-boat  ready,  had  the  prisoners  put  in,  and  tent  on 
shore,  with  directions  for  the  officer,  to  return  for  me,  and 
what  property  we  could  get  from  the  brig ;  he  did  not  re- 
turn, owing  to  the  difficulty  of  the  boats  getting  ashore, 
discovering  a  skiff",  under  the  counter,  I  put  the  four  re- 
maining  prisoners  in  the  boat,  and,  with  my  officers,  I  went 
on  shore  to  bring  the  boat  off!     I  asked  for  protection  to 
he  brig,  of  Lieut.  Col.  Scott,  who  readily  gave  it.     At 
Jr  L"!r^S*'-3  J^^.Tr^^,a  boat,  with  about  40  soldiers, 
Irom  the  British  side,  making  for  the  brig;  they  got  on 


70 


Vli. 


■m! 


Ti' 


iifl     i'l 


'i   ', 


'li 


\i  K'.. 


board,  but  were  soon  compelled  to  abandon  her,  with 
the  loss  of  nearly  all  their  men.  During  the  whole  of  i 
this  morning,  both  parties  kept  up,  alternately,  a  conti- 
nued fire  upon  the  brig,  and  so  much  injured  her,  that 
it  was  impossible  to  have  floated  her;  several  shot  in 
her  bends,  her  sails  in  ribbons,  and  rigging  all  cut  in 
pieces. 

To  my  officers  and  men,  I  feel  Under  grer*  obliga- 
tion ;  to  Cap  i.  Towson,  and  Lieut  Koach,  of  the  2d 
regiment  of  artillery,  Ensign  Prestman,  of  the  infantry, 
Capt.  Chapin,  Mr.  John  AI*Comb,  Messrs.  Town,  Dain, 
Overstocks,  and  Sloan,  resident  gentlemen  of  Buffaloe, 
for  their  soldier  and  sailor-like  conduct;  in  a  word, 
sir,  every  man  fought,  as  with  their  hearts,  animated 
only  by  the  honor  and  interest  of  their  country. 

The  prisoners,  I  have  turned  over  to  the  military. 
The  Detroit  mounted  6  six  pounder  long  guns,  a  com- 
manding Lieutenant  of  marines,  a  boatswain  and  gunner, 
and  56  men — about  30  American  prisoners  on  board, 
musquets,  pistols,  cutlasses,  and  battle  axes.  In  board- 
ing her,  I  lost  one  man,  one  officer  wounded,  Mr.  John 
C.  Cummings,  acting  Midshipman,  a  bayonet  through 
the  leg — his  conduct  was  correct,  and  deserves  the  no- 
tice of  the  Department.  The  Caledonia  mounted  two 
small  guns,  blunderbusses,  pistols,  musquets,  cutlasses, 
and  boarding-pikes;  12  men,  including  officers,  and 
10  prisoners  on  board ;  the  boat,  boarding  her,  com- 
manded by  sailing-master  George  Watts,  who  perform- 
ed his  duty  in  a  masterly  style  ;  but  one  man  killed, 
and  four  wounded  badly.  I  enclose  you  a  list  of  the 
officers  and  men  engaged  in  the  enterprise,  and  also  a 
view  of  the  lake  and  river,  in  the  different  situations  of 
attack  :  in  a  day  or  two,  I  shall  forward  the  names  of 
the  prisoners.  The  Caledonia  belongs  to  the  North- 
West  Company,  loaded  with  furs,  wortl?,  I  understand. 
200,000  dollars. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

JESSE  D.  ELLIOTT. 
Hon.  P.  Hamilton^  Sec.  Navy. 


IP''' 

V 

^^^B'U 

h' 

i  1 

71 


ELLIOTT. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  JAVA. 

Copy  o/aletUrfrom  Commodore  William  Bainbridge,  to  the  Secretary 
I  of  the  Navy,  dated  ^ 

U.  States  Frigate  Constitution, 

St  Salvadorey  3d  Jan.  1813. 
SIR— I  have  the  honor  (o  inform  you,  that  on  the  29th 
ult.  at  2,  P.  M.  in  S.  lat  13,  6,  afid  W.  Ion.  38,  about 
10  leagues  distance  from  the  coast  of  Brazils,  I  fell  in 
with,  and  captured  his  B.  M.  frigate  Java,  of  49  guns 
and  upwards  of  400  men,  commanded  by  Captain  Lam- 
bert, a  very  distinguished  officer.    The  action  lasted  1 
hour  and  55  mmutea,  in  which  time  the  enemy  was  com- 
pletely dismasted,  not  having  a  spar  of  any  kind  stand- 
ing.   The  loss  on  board  the  CJonstitution,  was  9  killed 
and  25  wounded,  as  per  enclosed  list.    The  enemy  had 
60  killed,  and  101  wounded,  certainly ;  (among  the  lat- 
ter, Capt.  Lambert,  mortally,)  but,  by  the  enclosed 
letter,  written  on  board  this  ship,  (by  one  of  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Java,)  and  accidentally  found,  it  is  evident 
that  the  enemy's  wounded  must  have  been  much  great- 
er than  as  above  stated,  and  who  must  have  died  of  their 
wounds,  previously  to  their  being  removed— the  letter 
states,  60  killed,  and  170  wounded. 

For  further  details  of  the  action,  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
you  to  the  enclosed  extracts  from  my  journal.     The 
Java  had,  in  addition  to  her  own  crew,  upwards  of  100 
supernumerary  officers  and  seamen,  to  join  the  British 
ships  of  war,  in  the  East  Indies;  also  Lieut.  General 
Hyslop,  appointed  to  the  command  of  Bombay,  Major 
Walker,  and  Capt.  Wood,  of  his  staff,  and  Capt.  Mar- 
shall, master  and  commander  in  the  British  navy  going 
to  the  East  Indies,  to  take  command  of  a  sloop  of  waF 
Should  I  attempt  to  do  justice,  by  representation,  to 
[  the  brave  and  ^ood  conduct  of  all  my  officers  and  crew 
j  during  the  action,  I  should  fail  in  the  attempt ;  there- 
lore,  suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  whole  of  thf  ir  conduct 
was  such  as  to  merit  my  highest  encomiums.— I  beg 
leave  to  recommend  the  officers,  particularly,  to  the 
notice  of  government,  as  also  the  unfortunate  seamen, 


4 


,.f^r.- 


mi 


to<  > 


72 

who  were  wounded,  and  the  families  of  those  brave 
men  who  fell  in  the  action.  The  great  distance  from 
our  own  coast,  and  the  perfect  wreck  we  made  of  the 
enemy's  frigate,  forbade  every  idea  of  attempting  to 
take  her  to  the  U.  States  ;  I  had,  therefore,  no  alterna- 
tive but  burning  her,  which  I  did,  on  the  31st  ult.  after 
receiving  all  the  prisoners  and  their  baggage,  which 
was  very  tedious  wofk,  only  having  1  boat  left,  out  of 
8,  and  not  one  left  on  board  the  Java. 

On  blowing  up  the  frigate  Java,  I  proceeded  to  this 
place,  where  I  have  landed  all  the  prisoners  on  their 
parole,  to  return  to  England,  and  there  remain  until 
regularly  exchanged  ;  and  not  to  serve  in  their  prof es\ 
sional  capacities,  in  any  place,  or  in  any  manner  what| 
ever,  against  the  U.  S.  of  America,  until  regularly  ex- 
changed. 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

WILLIAM  BAINBRIDGE. 
Hon.  Sec.  Navy. 


m 


LIST  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED, 
On  board  the  U.  States  Frigate  Constitution,  under  the  eotnmandtfl 
Com.  Wm.  Bainbridge,  in  an  action  with  his  B.  M.  Frigate  Java,} 
Henri/ Lambert,  Esq.  commander,  Dec.  29,  1812. 
Killed,  9—JVoundedy  Com.  Bainbridge,  Lieut,  Ayl-, 
win,  Master's  Mate,   Waldo,  and  Qr.  Master  Wood- 
bury, A^Woundedy  Seamen  and  Marines,  21— total  34.  [ 

A.  A.  EVANS,  Surgeon. 
^  „    .  ,    . ,  R.  C.  LUDLOW,  Purser. 

W.  Jiatnbndge. 

The  foUoming  is  a  list  of  his  B.  M.  military  and  naval  officers,  m 
roUed  at  St.  Salvadore,  by  Com.  Bainbridge,  viz. 
One  Lieut.  General,  1  Major,  1  Captain,  (militarjj 
officers,)  1  Poat-Captain,  1  Master  and  Commander,  5 
Lieutenants,  3  Lieuts.  of  Marines,  1  Surgeon,  2  Assl. 
Surgeons,  1  Purser,  15  Midshipmen,  1  Gunner,  1  Boat- 
swam,  1  Master,  1  Carpenter,  2  Capts.  Clerks— making 
28  officers,  and  323  petty  officers,  seamen,  and  marines; 
add  161,  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  it  will  appear 
that  512  men  were  on  board  the  Javs, 


•^[•MTf*"  »  - 


NBRIDGE. 


73 

At  2,  10,  P  M.  commenced  the  action,  within  good 
grape  and  canister  distance,  the  enemv  o  windwr,d 
(but  much  further  than  I  wished.)~at  2,  30,  omXel 
was  shot  entnely  away~2.  4o/determined  o  cLe 
With  the  enemy  notwithstanding  his  raking  set  he 
fore  and  mam  sail,  and  lulled  up'close  to  hifn:~2  50 
the  enemy's  jib-boom  got  foul  of  our  miz.n  rigghig- 
bV  us-3  7:ho7'^''^*"lT'''  ^"^.iib-boom.  sh^faw^ay 
board-^lV.  d?nf^'''^\t'  ^"^."^-^'^  ^"''^"'^st.  by  the 
the  cavils   40     h?^^  *^^  •"l^"  top-mast,  just  above 

3,  55  shot  away  his  mizen  mast,  just  bv  the  board- 

4.  5,  having  silenced  the  fire  of  the'enemv  c  mS 

neliadstiuck  ;  then  hauled  aboard  the  courses,  to  shoot 
ahead,  to  repair  our  rigging,  which  was  extreme  y  cut 
eaving  the  enemy  a  complete  wreck;  soon  a^ter,  dis> 
covered  the  enemy's  flag  was  still  flying-hove  to  to 
repair  some  of  our  damage~-4,  20,  thLnem^.  ma  n 
Uast  went  by  the  board-1,  50,' wo're  Ihip  anVstooS 
for  the  c2iemy--5,  25.  got  very  close  to  the  enemy  n 
a  very  effectual  raking  position,  athwart  his  bow7and 
was  at  the  very  instant  of  raking  him,  when  he  mnlf 
prudently  sti^ck  his  flag;  for,^ad  W  suffered  i^^^ 
broadside  to  have  raked  him,  his  additional  lo  s  must 
have  been  extremely  great. 

W.  BAINBKIDGE. 
WINCHESTER'S  AFFAIR. 

[Sopifofa  letter  from  Brig  Gen.  Winchester,  (now  a  prisoner  of  War  ) 
I  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  J ''^^tj 

Maiden,  January  23d  1813. 
SIR— A  detachment  from  the  left  wing  of  the  N 
p"      o^.'  ""^^^  "^y  command,  at  Frenchtown,  on  the 
Kiver  Raism,  was  attacked  on  the  22d  inst.  by  a  force 
greatly  superior  in  number,  aided  by  several  pieces  of 
anuiery.     1  he  action  commenced  at  the  dawn  of  day ; 

K 


f 


74 


Ir  > 


m 


M' 


h 


^.  iMi 


the  picket  guards  were  driven  in,  and  a  heavy  fire  open- 
ed on  the  whole  line,  by  which  a  part  thereof  was  I 
1  In-own  into  disorder;  and,  being  ordered  to  retire  a 
small  distance,  in  order  to  form  on  more  advantageous 
ground,  I  found  the  enemy  doubling  our  left  flank, 
with  force  and  rapidity. 

A  destructive  fire  was  sustained  for  some  time  ;  at 
length,  borne  down  by  numbers,  the  few  of  us  that  re- 
mained, with  the  party  that  retired  from  the  lines,  sub- 
mitted. [ 
The  remainder  of  our  force,  in  number  about  400, 
continued,  to  defend  themselves,  with  great  gallantry, 
in  an  unequal  contest,  against  small  arms  and  artillery, 
until  I  was  brought  in  as  a  prisoner,  to  that  part  of  the 
field  occupied  by  the  enemy.                                       I 
At  this  latter  place,  I  understood  that  our  troopsi 
were  defending  themselves,  in  a  state  of  desparation,! 
and  was  informed  by  the  commanding  officer  of  thel 
enemy,  that  he  would  afford  them  an  opportunity  ofl 
surrendering  themselves,  prisoners  of  war ;  to  wliich  If 
acceded.     I  was  the  more  ready  to  make  the  surrender, 
that,  unless  done  quickly,  the  buildings  adjacent  wouldl 
be  immediately  set  on  fire,  and  that  no  responsibility! 
would  be  taken  for  the  conduct  of  the  savages,  who! 
were^ theri  assembled  in  great  numbers.    In  this  critil 
cal  situation,  being  desirous  to  preserve  the  lives  ot  al 
number  of  our  brave  fellows,  who  still  held  out,  I  sentl 
a  flag  to  them,  and  agreed  with  the  commanding  officer 
of  the  enemy,  that  they  should  be  surrendered,  prison- 
ers of  war,  on  condition  of  being  protected  from  Ihel 
savages,  allowed  to  retain  their  private  property,  and! 
having  their  side-arms  returned  to  them.    It  is  ininos-I 
sible  for  me  to  ascertain,  with  certainty,  the  loss  we 
have  sustained  in  this  action,  from  the  impracticabilitv 
of  knowir^  the  number  who  made  their  escape. 

Thirty-five  officers,  and  about  487  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates,  are  prisoners  of  war— our  loss,  in 
killed,  is  considerable. 

However  unfortunate  may  seem  the  aflair  of  yestei-, 
day,  I  am  flattered  by  a  belief,  that  no  material  erroi 


75 

is  chargeable  upon  myself,  and  that  still  less  censure  is 

WUh  f  h^  '^"  '"''T  ^  K'"^  '^^  ^«"«r  of  command fni 

With  the  excep  ion  of  that  portion  of  our  force 

which  was  thrown  mto  disorder,  no  troops  have  ever 

behaved  with  a  more  determined  intrepidity.    The  In' 

dians  have    still,  a  few  prisoners  in  their  possession 

Sich ''''* ""'  '^  ^^^^"  "p  ^«  c«^-  ^^-"7"; 

I  have  the  honor,  &c 

CI         r  r^  •^^^'  WINCHESTER,  Bris  Gen 
Secretary  of  War.  >  -"'S-  "^"'• 


PUKTHER  REPORT. 

'  Copy  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Winchester  to  the  Secretary/  of  War,  dated 

^JU  ^^^""H^  George,  U.  Canada,  Uth  Feb.  1013. 
I  thP  29ZP^f  /h  *^^^"Se/hich  my  troops  received,  on 
the  22d  ult  at  the  river  Raisin,  was  from  the  4 1st  reel- 
ment  ot  British  regulars ;  out  of  300  of  these  troops!  30 
fell  dead  upon  the  field,  and  about  one  hundred  wSund- 
ed  were  removed  from  the  ground.     It  is  impossible  to 

ty  s  allies,  fell ;  but  the  number  must  have  been  very 
great,  as  they  were  exposed,  for  4  hours,  to  a  continued 
and  heavy  hre  from  our  musquets  and  rifles,  our  men 
being  behind  a  breast-work.     The  action  had  endured 
about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  when  the  right  division  of 
our  troops,  who  were  less  secured  by  a  breast-work 
and  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  a  body  of  Indians  and 
militia,  who  had  possessed  themselves  of  some  out- 
houses within  heir  reach,  were  obliged  to  retreat  from 
their  lines  in  the  encampment,  for  the  purpose  of  o^ 
cupymg  ground  less  exposed.     This  retreat  being  dis- 
covered^ by  the  enemy,  the  whole  Indian  force,  togeth- 
^2t^  portion  of  the  militia,  bore  down  upon  fhem 

rioritv  n?"^^' ^'"^^"'f '  f  ^  prevented,  by  their  sup^ 
riority  of  numbers,  and  the  severity  of  their  fire  the 
practicability  of  ever  again  forming  this  portion  of  our 
troops  m  order  of  battle.    It  was"  from  thi    division 


m 


r?' 


"\ 


76 

that  our  principal  loss  was  sustained,  few  indeerl  hav- 
in^  escapf*d.  Every  eftbrt,  in  vain,  was  employed  to 
form  iliem  in  some  order  of  action,  as  afi'ordinec  the  only 
m«'ans  (ff «  uiit  r  'cpelJing  the  pursuers,  or  regaining  the 
tewip  /'ary  '>'(  ist-work,  from  behind  which,  tlie remain- 
ing pari  ol  «»»ir  troops  still  gallantly  defended  them- 
selves ;  but  every  exertion  was  in  vain  employed,  and 
the  very  few  who  survived,  ol  the  party,  surrendered 
as  prisoners  to  the  enemy. 

^  Our  l«'ss,  in  this  a<t5on  will  be  ascertained  by  the 
list  herewith  enchased.  Among  the  killed,  I  have  to 
lament  several  brave  and  valuable  officers,  some  of  whom 
hrtU  distinguished  themselves  in  the  action  of  the  evening 
ol  tlie  18ili,  an<l  fell  on  the  22d,  while  unavailingly  en- 
gai^e'l  in  rallying  the  troops,  who  retreated  in  disorder 
from  the  lirie^.  Amcmg  those,  the  loss  of  Col.  John  Allen 
and  Major  Elijah  iVI'Clannahan,  is  to  be  particularly 
regrelied,  as  also  Captain  Jtihn  U.  Wooltolk,  one  of 
my  aids-de-camp ;  their  exertions  were  unsuccessful, 
notwithstanding  every  possible  exertion  was  employ- 
ed ;  they  bravely  fell  in  discharge  of  their  respective 
duties.  While  I  regret  the  fate  of  those  who  bravely 
fell  upon  this  occasion,  1  should  do  injustice  to  pass 
over,  without  notice,  the  few  partakers  in  their  danger, 
who  were  fortunate  to  survive  them.  To  Lieut.  Col. 
William  Lewis,  who  commanded  on  the  I8th,  andto 
Captain.  John  Overton,  my  aid-de-camp,  who  attended 
my  person  on  the  field,  my  thanks  are  particularly  due, 
for  their  prompt  and  willing  exertion,  during  every  m 
riod  of  the  conflict.  To  the  officers  and  soldiers,  who 
bravely  maintained  their  ground  in  the  temporary  for- 
tifications, too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed.  As- 
sailed by  numbers  greatly  superior,  supported  by  six 
pieces  of  artillery,  constantly  employed,  the)  gallantly 
defended,  with  small  arms  alone,  for  near  four  hou  jf 
constant  battle.  No  troops  ever  behaved  with  more 
cool  and  determined  bravery  ;  from  the  commanding 
officer  down  to  the  private  soldier,  there  was  scan  a 
single  abandonment  of  duty ;  and  at  the  last,  when  tlieir 
ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted,  and  surrounued  by 


n 

tlie  enemy,  sr  Mly  superior  in  number  and  the  means 
of  war,  surrendered  mlU  a  reluctance  rarely  to  be  found 
upon  similar  occasions.     The  officers  commandinir  in 
thebreast-work  and  who  deserve  particular  no  ice    "f 
distmction  cou  d  easdy  be  drawn,  were  Majors  Kja 
m.r.  Graves  and  Oeor^ije  Madison ;  Captains  AightmvTr 
Hart,  VVdIiams,  Cho  er,  Sebree    HamShnn    ir  i  u 
Bledsoe,  BalJard,  and  James     BrK?^^^^^ 
Ganarjf  Adjutant  John  M'Calla,  Tl  uSr-maSe 
PoUard  Keen  ;  they  defended  themselves  to  th^ast 
with  a^reat  ^rallantry,  and  merit  my  warmest  irratif  X 
as  well  as  the  highest  praise  of  their  cou^try^  '' 

VV  ith  sentiments  of  the  highest  respect  &c 

Hon.  Sec.  at  War.  ^  ^'  **  ^• 

pur  loss  in  killed  and  missing  is  397— the  woi.n.UH 
|being  included  in  the  list  of  prisoners  forwaS     ' 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  PEACOCK. 

ICoKy  ./  ''^'%{^<>^  Captain  Janus  Lan,rence,  of  the  V.  S.  Sloop  of 
I  ffar  Hornet,  to  the  Secretary  of  tlie  Navy.  ^  ^ 

U-  S.  Ship  Hornet, 

Holmes' Hole,  March  19, 1813. 

I  /*i-         .?  ^.^^  *'''"<^''  to  inform  you  of  the  ar  ival 

at  this  no.  t,  of  the  U.  8    ship  Hornet,  under  my  com 

Imand,  froni  a  cruise  ol  145  days ;  and  to  sfate  to  you 

fcut"6?r.^r'''tvf  i^«  --toV' Brain": 

l(.ianpary  b,)  1  continued  ofT  the  harhor  of  St  Salva 

U'*  ^u'^t'"'^'''^  *^^  Bonne  Citoyenne,  un  il the  sllb 
Iwhen  the  Monta/rue.  74  hov«>  ,*«  JX     """7"®  j^^a, 

»-!,)  I  judged  U  L"^7^de„f  ;«  4"m"  ^^STg 


a 


70 


I' 


n   I 


ground,  and  hauled  by  the  wind  to  the  wesiward,  witli ! 
a  view  of  cruising  off  Penianibucca,  and,  on  the  4th  of 
February,  captured  the  English  brig  Kcsolution,  of  10 
guns,  from  Kio  Janeiro,  bound  to  JVlaranhani,  with  cof- 
fee, jerked  beef,  flour,  fustic,  and  butter,  and  about 
23,000  dollars  in  specie.  As  nhe  sailed  dull,  and  I 
could  ill  spare  hands  to  man  her,  I  took  out  the  money] 
and  set  her  on  fire.  I  then  ran  down  the  coast  for  Ma- 
ranham,  and  cruised  there  a  short  time  ;  from  thence, 
run  oir  Surinam.  After  cruising  off  that  coast,  froml 
the  15th  until  the  22d  February,  without  meeting  al 
vessel,  I  stood  for  Bemarara,  with  an  intention,  should! 
I  not  be  fortunate  on  that  station,  to  run  through  the! 
W.  Indies,  on  my  way  to  the  U.  States ;  but  on  thel 
24tli,  in  the  morning,  I  discovered  a  brig  to  leeward,! 
lo  which  I  gave  chace  ;  run  into  quarter  less  four,  andl 
not  having  a  pilot,  was  obliged  to  haul  ofi;  the  fort,  at! 
the  entrance  of  Demarara  river,  bearing  S.  W.  distanll 
two  and  a  half  leagues.  Previous  lo  giving  up  thel 
chace,  I  discovered  a  vessel  at  anchor,  without  the  bar,l 
with  English  colours  flying,  apparently  a  brig  of  war.l 
In  beating  round  Carobana  bank,  in  order  to  get  to  lier,| 
at  half  past  3,  P.  M.  I  discovered  another  sail  on  inyl 
weather  quarter,  edging  down  for  us — at  4,  20,  shej 
hoisted  English  colors,  at  which  time  we  discovered! 
her  to  be  a  large  man  of  war  brig — beat  to  quarters,! 
and  cleared  ship  for  action,  and  kept  close  by  the  wind] 
in  order,  if  possible,  to  get  the  weather-guage — at  5, 10,1 
finding  I  could  weather  the  enemy,  I  hoisted  Ameri-I 
can  colors,  and  tacked — at .%  25,  in  passing  each  other,! 
exchanged  broadsides,  within  half  pistol  shot.  Obseir- 
ing  the  enemy  in  the  act  of  wearing,  I  bore  up,  receiv| 
ed  his  starboard  broadside,  run  him  close  on  board,  i 
the  starboard  quarter,  and  kept  up  such  a  heavy  anill 
well-directed  fire,  that  in  less  than  1 5  minutes  she  surf 
rendered,  (being  totally  cut  to  pieces)  and  hoisted  aoj 
ensign  union  down  from  his  fore  rigging,  as  a  signal  oil 
distress.  Shortly  after,  her  main  mast  went  by  thel 
board — dispatched  Lieut.  Shubrick  on  board,  who  soool 
returned  with  her  1st  Lieut,  who  reported  her  to  bebisi 


79 


)rig  Peacock,  commanded  by  Capt.  William 
fell  m  the  latter  part  of  the  action ;  Ihat  a 


B.  M.  late  bri| 
Peake,  who 

number  of  her  crew  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  (hat 
«lie  was  sinking  fast,  she  having  then  six  feet  water  in 
her  hold— dispatched  the  boats  immediately  for  the 
wounded,  and  brought  both  vessels  to  anchor     Such 
shot-holes  as  could  be  got  at,  were  then  plugired  jruna 
thrown  overboard,  and  every  possible  exertion  used  to 
keep  her  afloat,  until  the  prisoners  could  be  removed 
by  pumpjng  and  bailing~but  without  eflect,  as  she  un- 
fortunately sunk,  in  five  and  a  half  fathoms  water  car- 
rying down  13  of  her  crew,  and  three  of  my  brave  fel- 
lows viz.  John  Hart,  Joseph  Williams,  and  Hannibal 
Boyd.    Lieut.  Conner  and  Midshipman  Cooper,  and 
Ithe  remainder  of  my  men.  employed  in  removing  the 
prisoners,  with  difficulty  saved  themselves,  by  jumpinir 
into  a  boat  that  was  lying  on  the  boom.,  as  she  went 
Idown.    Four  men,  of  the  13  mentioned,  were  so  forlu- 
Inate  as  to  gam  the  fore-top,  and  were  afterwards  taken 
lofl  by  our  boats.     Previous  to  her  going  down,  four  of 
Iher  men  took  to  her  stern  boat,  that  had  been  much 
Idamaged  during  the  action,  who,  I  sincerely  hope 
Ireached  the  shore ;  but,  from  the  heavy  sea,  running  at 
thattiire,  the  shattered  state  of  the  boat,  and  difficulty 
lof  landing  on  the  coast,  I  am  fearful  fiey  were  lost  -l 
II  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain,  from  her  officers,  the 
lexact  number  of  killed.   Capt.  Peake,  and  4  men,  were 
■found  dead  on  board ;  the  Master,  one  Midshipman, 
ICarpenter  and  Captain's  Clerk,  and  29  men  wounded 
Iinost  of  them  very  severely,  3  of  which  died  of  their 
[wounds  after  being  removed,  and  9  drowned.— Our 
lloss  was  trifling,  in  comparison;   John  Place  killed, 
[hamuel   .oulson,  and  .Jos.  Dalrymple,  slightly  wound- 
led  ;  our  rigging  and  sails  were  very  mucli  cut ;  one 
Ishot  through  the  foremast,  and  bowsprit  slightly  iniufed. 
[Our  hull  received  little  or  no  damage. 
j    At  the  time  1  brought  the  Peacock  to  action,  the 
li-spei^le,  (the  brig  mentioned  as  being  at  anchor.) 
hiounting  sixteen  32lb.  carronades,  and  2  lono-  nines 
llay  about  6  miles  in  shore  of  me,  and  could  plamly  see 
the  whole  of  the  action— Apprehensive  she  would  beat 


y 


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I 


Al 


1  y 


■"'TKii 


h 


x!J 


^i\ 


80 

out  to  the  assistance  of  her  consort,  such  exertions  were  I 
used  by  my  officers  and  crew,  in  repairing  damages,  &c,[ 
that  by  nine  o'clock  our  boats  were  stowed,  a  new  set  ofl 
sails  bent,  and  the  ship  completely  ready  for  action.  All 
2,  P.  M.  got  under  way,  and  stood  by  the  wind  to  thel 
northward  and  westward,  under  easy  sail.  On  musterinj 
next  morning,  found  we  had  277  souls  on  board,  (inclulj 
ing  the  crew  of  the  American  brig  Hunter,  of  Portlandl 
taken  a  few  days  before,  by  the  Peacock,)  and,  as  we  hadl 
been  on  two-thirds  allowance  of  provisions,  for  some  timei 
and  had  but  3,400  gallons  of  water  on  board,  I  reduced! 
the  allowance  to  3  pints  a  man,  and  determined  to  makel 
the  best  of  my  way  to  the  U.  States,  I 

The  Peacock  was  deser\'edly  styled  one  of  the  finesl 
vessels  of  her  class  in  the  British  navy.  I  should  judge! 
her  to  be  about  the  tonnage  of  the  Hornet ;  her  bean 
was  greater,  by  5  inches,  out  her  extreme  length  not  i. 
great,  by  4  feet.  She  mounted  sixteen  24  pr.  carronades, 
2  long  nines,  one  12  pr.  carronade  on  her  top-gallanj 
forecastle,  as  a  shifting  gun,  and  one  4,  or  C  pounder,  ani 
2  swivels,  mounted  ait.  I  find,  by  her  quarter  bill,  thai 
her  crew  consisted  of  134  men,  4  of  whom  were  absent  mi 
a  prize. 

The  cool  and  determined  conduct  of  my  officers  and 
crew,  during  the  action,  and  their  almost  unexampled  e.i 
ertions  afterwards,,  entitle  them  to  my  warmest  acknovf 
lodgments;  and  I  beg  leave,  most  earnestly,  to  recom 
mend  them  to  the  notice  of  government. 

By  the  indisposition  of  Lieut.  Stewart,  I  was  deprive! 
of  the  services  of  an  excellent  officer ;  had  he  been  able 
to  stand  on  the  deck,  I  am  confident  his  exertions  would 
not  have  been  surpassed  by  any  one  on  board.  I  shouldl 
be  doin^  injustice  to  the  merits  of  Lieut.  Shubrick,  aiM 
acting  Lieutenants  Conner  and  Newton,  were  I  not  to  re 
commend  them  particularly  to  your  notice.  Lieut.  Shu- 
brick was  in  the  actions  with  the  Guerriere  and  Java 
Captain  Hull,  and  Commodore  Bainbridge  can  bear  tes- 
timony as  to  his  coolness  and  good  conduct  on  both  occasions. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  I  un,  &c. 
Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy.  JAS.  LAWRENCE 


m 


81 
BATTLE  OF  YORK. 

Copies  of  Utters  from  Major-General  Henry  Dearborn,  to  the  Seereta: 

r^-  of  War,  dated 

Head-Quarters,  York,  Capitol  of  U.  C 

SIR~We  are  ,n  full  possession  of  this  place  after  a 
8harp  conflict,  ,n  which  we  lost  some  brave^officerfand 
sokhers.  Gen.  Sheaffe  commanded  the  Britirt'UpsI 
m. h^a  and  Indians,  m  person.-We  shall  be  prepareTto 
sa,i  for  the  next  object  of  the  expedition,  the  fi^st  Cura^ 

itt  B^Ge'n'pikir  ^^"^^"^  *'^  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^  -^  ^ 

I  am,  &c. 

Hon.  J,  Armstrong:. 


*      1 


3.  LAWRENCE 


Head-Quarters,  York,  Capitol  of  ZT.  C. 
April  28,  1813. 
blK--.After  a  detention  of  some  days,  by  adverse  wi'ndc 
we  arrived  at  this  niace  yesterday  mLin^g'S  aVe^ 
0  clock  commenced  landing  the  troops,  about  three  X 
westward  from  the  town,  and  one  and  a  half  from  the 
Jenemj's  works.     The  wind  was  high,  and  in  an  unfavom 
J  le  direction  for  the  boats,  which^rLvented  L  itdTnt 
^troops  at  a  clear  field  the  scite*of  the  ancient  FreZf, 
iotTarento;  't  prevented,  also,  many  of  the  armed  ve. 
]  el  from  taking  positions,  which  would  have,  most  effeC 

ferelcTd!^^^^^^^^^      *^-^  ^^ 

Ifo   e  in  the  woods,  near  the  point  where  the  wind  com! 
Med  our  troops  to  land  ;  h.^  force  consisted  of  7oS  r" 
feulars  and  militia,  and  100  Indians.     Major  Forsyth  wL 

C?  .  ?f  ^°'  ""^^'^y  ^^-^  ^n  hour,  and  the  enemy 
Ke  repulsed  by  a  number  far  inferior  to  theirs.  As  so2 
I  jLi 


il 


%,^ 


H    I 


n 


V     i    'f 


i 


h  i 


82 

as  Gen.  Pike  landed,  with  7  or  800  men,  and  the  remain- 
der  of  the  troops  were  pushing  for  the  shore,  the  enemy 
retreated  to  their  works.     Our  troops  were  now  formed 
on  the  ground,  originally  intended  for  their  landing,  ad- 
vanced through  a  thick  wood,  and  after  carrying  one  bat- 
tery by  assault,  were  moving  in  columns  towards  the  main  I 
work;  when  within  60  rods  of  this,  a  tremendous  explo- 
sion  took  place,  from  a  magazine  previously  prepared,  and 
which  threw  out  such  immense  quantities  of  stone,  as  most 
seriously  to  injure  our  troops.     I  have  not  yet  been  able 
to  collect  the  returns  of  the  killed  c.nd  wounded  ;  but  our 
loss  will,  I  fear,  exceed  100  ;  and  among  these,  I  have  to 
lament  tlie  loss  of  that  brave  and  excellent  officer,  Brig, 
Gen.  Pike,  who  received  a  contusion  from  a  large  stone,! 
which  terminated  his  valuable  life  within  a  few  hours.-l 
Previously  to  this  explosion,  the  enemy  had  retired  intol 
the  town,  excepting  a  party  of  regulars,  to  the  number  oil 
forty,  who  did  not  escape  the  shock,  and  were  destroyed! 
Gen.  SheafTe  moved  off,  with  the  regular  troops,  and  Ir'^^' 
directions  with  the  commanding  officer  of  the  militia, 
make  the  best  terms  he  could.     In  the  mean  time,  all  furl 
ther  resistance,  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  ceased ;  and  the! 
outlines  of  a  Capitulation  were  agreed  on.  f 

As  soon  as  I  learned  that  Gen.  Pike  had  been  woundedJ 
1  went  on  shore ;  to  the  General,  I  had  been  induced  4 
confide  the  immediate  attack,  from  a  knowledge  thatij 
was  his  wish,  and  that  he  would  have  felt  mortified  hal 
it  not  been  given  to  him. 

Our  loss  m  the  morning,  and  in  carrying  the  first  batt&l 
ry,  was  not  great ;  perhaps  40  or  .00  killed  and  woundeJJ 
and  of  them  a  full  proportion  of  officers.  Notwithstadl 
ing  the  enemy's  advantage  in  position,  and  numbers,  id 
the  commencement  of  the  action,  their  loss  was  greatej 
than  ours,  especially  in  officers.  I 

I  am  under  the  greatest  obligations  to  Com.  Chauncejl 
for  his  able  and  indefatigable  exertions,  in  every  possiblJ 
manner  which  could  give  facility  and  effect  to  the  expedl 
tion  ;  he  is  equally  estimable  for  sound  judgment,  braverf 
and  industry;  the  government  could  not  have  madci 
more  fortunate  selection. 


S3 

I  Unfortunately  the  enemy's  armed  ship,  Prince  Regent, 
^  left  th,s  pkce,  for  Kmgston,  a  few  days  fiefore  we  aJyed 
A  large  sh.p,  on  the  stocks,  and  nearly  planked  up  and 
much  naval  stores,  were  set  fire  to  by  the  enemyfsoon 
after  he  explosion  of  the  magazine ;  a  considerable  quan" 
2  ft  fo 'S  ''-'-'^  ''''  ^^°^^^^-^'  --'•"'  *>"t  noTel 

.nj^^n/i:t:=t&^^Sf^'^— - 

I  hope  we  shall  so  far  complete  what  is  necessary  to  be 
donehercas  to  be  able  to  sail  to-morrow  for  Nfa^ara! 
whither  I  send  tins,  by  a  small  vessol,  with  notice  to  Gen 
Lewis,  of  our  approach. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Hon.  Sec.  TTar.  H.DEARBORN. 


TRANSPORTATION  OF  TROOPS  TO  YORK. 

I  Copy  of  a  letter  frcn  Commodore  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  S.  Ship  Madison,  at  anchor, 

cm      A  ,,  ^ff  ^^'•*'  28th  April,  1813. 

SIR-A^reeaWy   to  your  instructions,  and  arrano-o- 
ments,  maSe  with  Major-General  Dearborn,  I  took^o„ 
bo  rd  the  squadron,  under  my  command,  the  General  an 
u.te  and  about  1700  troops,  and  left  Sacket's  Harboro 
the  25th  mst  for  this  place.     We  arrived  here  yesterday 
morning  and  took  a  position  about  one  mile  to  the  south 
and  westward  of  the  enemy's  principal  fort,  and  as  nea,' 
the  shore  as  we  could,  with  safety  to  the  vessels      Tho 
place  fixed  upon,  by  the  Maj.  Gen' and  myself  tr  land- 
la     Thf.'  rV^.'  "''^  °^'^^  «'^  ^'^-'^  f-t,Ta- 
ranta.     1  he  debarkation  commenced  about  8  o'clock  A 
M  and  was  completed  about  10,  the  wind  blowing h^Lvy 

Zti  T"'  '  K^  '''''^ '"  consequence,  exposed  to  a 

galling  fire  from  the  enemy,  who  had  taken  a  position  in 

a  thie^  ,vood   near  where  the  first  troops  lanL;  how" 

!  ever,  the  cool  intrepidity  of  the  officers  and  men   over- 


M 


•  -iH^  '  ^4Mu  £ 


^/!  '* 


,  S' 


84 

came  every  obstacle.  Their  attack  upon  the  enemy  wag 
so  vigorous,  that  he  fled  in  every  direction,  leaving  a  great 
many  of  his  killed  and  wounded  upon  the  field.  As  soon 
as  the  troops  were  landed,  I  directed  the  schooners  to  take 
a  position  near  the  forts,  in  order  that  the  attack  upon 
them,  by  the  army  and  navy,  might  be  simultaneous.  The 
schooners  were  obliged  to  beat  up  to  their  position,  which 
they  did  in  very  handsome  order,  under  a  very  heavy  fire 
from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  took  a  position  within 
about  600  yards  of  their  principal  fort,  and  opened  a 
heavy  cannonade  upon  the  enemy,  which  did  great  execu- 
tion, and  very  much  contributed  to  their  final  destruction. 

The  troops,  as  soon  as  landed,  were  formed  under  the 
immediate  orders  of  Gen.  Pike,  who  led,  in  a  most  gallant 
manner,  the  attack  upon  th*^  forts,  and  after  having  car- 
ried two  redoubts,  in  tneir  approacli  to  the  principal  work, 
(the  enemy  having  previously  laid  a  train,)  blew  up  his 
magazine,  which,  m  its  effects  upon  our  troops,  was  dread- 
ful, jjaving  killed  and  wounded  many ;  and  among  the  for- 
mer, the  ever  to  be  lamented  Brig.  Gen.  Pike.  His  death, 
at  this  time,  is  much  to  be  regretted,  as  he  had  the  per- 
fect confidence  of  the  Maior-General ;  and  his  own  activity, 
zeal,  and  experience,  make  his  loss  a  national  one. 

In  consequence  of  the  fall  of  Gen.  Pike,  the  command 
of  the  troops  devolved,  for  a  time,  upon  Col.  Pierce,  who 
soon  after  took  possession  of  the  town.  At  about  2,  P. 
M.  the  American  flag  was  substituted  for  the  British,  and, 
at  about  4,  our  troops  were  in  quiet  possession  of  the 
town. 

As  soon  as  Gen.  Dearborn  learnt  the  situation  of  Gen. 
Pike,  he  landed,  and  assumed  the  command. — I  have  the 
honoi  of  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  capitulation,  which  was 
entered  into,  and  approved  by  General  Dearborn,  and 
myself. 

The  enemy  set  fire  to  some  of  his  principal  stores,  con- 
taining large  quantities  of  naval  and  military  stores,  as 
well  as  a  large  ship,  upon  the  stocks,  and  nearly  finished, 
The  only  vessel  found  there,  is  th^  Duke  of  Gloucester, 
undergoinp;  repairs  ;  the  Prince  Regent  left  here,  on  the 
,24th,  for  Kingston.    We  have  not  yet  had  a  return  made 


9S 

«f  the  naval  and  military  stores,  consequently  can  form  no 
correct  idea  of  the  quant.t,.,  but  have  lade  Arrangements 
to  have  all  taken  on  boarcT,  that  we  can  receive-fh^rest 
will  be  destroyed.  I  have  to  regret  the  death  of  MidsWp 
men  Thompson  and  Hatfield,  and  several  seamen  killelr 
the  returns  from  the  different  vessels  have  not  yet  been 

I  cannot  speak  in  too  much  praise  of  the  cool  intrepedi- 
Ity  of  the  officers  and  men,  generally,  under  my  command  • 
and  I  feel  myself  particularly  indebted  to  the  officers 
commanding  vessels,  for  their  zeal  in  secondino-  all  mv 

i  views.  o         ^J 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Hon.  W.  Jones.  '^^'^  CHAUNCEY. 

On  board  the  squadron,  there  were  4  killed,   and  8 
[wounded — total,  12. 

TERMS  OF  CAPITULATION 

^iLTn'U  v°'  r  ^'fr  ^^^^^^  ^P"''  ^'^3,  for  the',urrender  of  the 
town  of  York  m  Upper  Canada,  to  the  Army  and  Navy  of  the  TJ 

'r  j^hTutv;.^  ^^""^"'^ ''  ^^j-  «-• «-»'-".  -d°cr.^: 

iJ^^^  ;he  troops,  regular  and  militia,  at  this  post,  and 
fche  naval  officers  and  seamen,  shall  be  surrendered  prison- 
^rsof  vyar-the  troops,  regular  and  militia,  to  ground  their 
ps,  immediately  on  parade,  and  the  naval  officers  and 
learaen  be  immediately  surrendered. 

That  all  public  stores,  naval  and  military,  shall  be  im- 
nediately  given  up,  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  ar- 
ny and  navy  of  the  U.  States;  all  private  property  shall 
be  guaranteed  to  the  citizens  of  the  town  of  York 
i  7-\^^  P^P^'''  belonging  to  the  civil  officers,  shall  be 
htained  by  them  ;-that  such  surgeons,  as  may  be  pro- 
lured  to  attend  the  wounded  of  the  British  regulars,  and 
Canadian  m.htia,  shall  not  be  considered  prisoners  of  war 

U  T^l^'^"*'^?*??^'^  ^  ^- '^^'''  13 Captains,  9  Lieufen^ 
kn  s,  11  Ensigns,  1  Qua,  t.^-master,  I  Dep.  Adj.  General, 
E  f  }t'^' \9 /«^rg:eants,  4  corporals,  and  204  rank  and 
p;  of  the  field  tram  department,  1 ;  of  the  provincial 


!.I 


86 

navy,  1  Captain,  1  Lieutenant,  2  Midshipmen,  1  Captain's 
Clerk,  1  Boatswain,  15  naval  artificers.  Of  his  majesty's 
regular  troops,  1  Lieutenant,  1  Sergeant-Major ;  and  of 
the  royal  artillery,  1  Bombardier,  and  3  Gunners,  shall 
be  surrendered  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  accounted  for  in 
the  exchange  of  prisoners,  between  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain. 


(Signed) 


G.  a.  MITCHELL,  Lieut.  Col.  3d,  A.  U.  S. 
SAML.  S.  CONNER,  Maj.  and  Aid  to  Gen.  Dearborn. 
WM.  KING,  Major,  15  U.  S.  Inlantry. 
JESSE  D.  ELLIOT,  Lieut.  U.  S.  Navy. 

W.  CHEWITT,  Lieut.  Col  comg.  3d  Reg.  York  xM. 
W.  ALLEN,  Maj.  3d  Reg.  York  Militia, 
F.  GADRREAU,  Lieut.  M.  Dpt. 


Our  loss  was,  14  killed  in  battle,  and  38  by  the  explo-l 
sion — 32  wounded  in  battle,  and  222  by  the  explosion;! 
total,  killed  and  wounded,  306. 


I 


V    1^ 


FURTHER  ACCOUNT. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Maj.  General  Henry  Dearborn,  to  the  Semi 

tary  of  War,  dated 

Niagara,  May  3d. 
As  nearly  as  I  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  the  loss  dl 
the  enemy,  in  the  late  affair  of  York,  amounted  to  lOil 
killed,  200  prisoners,  and  300  wounded.  I  have  not  beeil 
able  to  ascertain,  precisely,  the  amount  of  militia  put  o 
their  parole  ;  I  presume  it  could  not  be  less  than  500.- 
There  was  an  immense  depot  of  naval  and  military  storeJ 
York  was  a  magazine  for  Niagara,  Detroit,  &c.  and,  noil 
withstanding  the  immense  amount  which  was  destroyel 
by  them,  we  found  more  than  we  could  bring  off.  GeDl 
Sheaffe's  baggage  and  papers  fell  into  my  hands.  Thel 
papers  are  a  valuable  acquisition. — A  SCALP  was  founl 
m  the  F  xecutive  and  Legislative  Council  Chamber,  sm 
pended  near  the  speaker's  chair,  in  company  with  the! 
mace. 

H,  DEARBORN. 


87 

AMERICAN  PROTECTION. 

^^(^^-Quarters,  Baltimore,  8th  May.  1813. 
SIR— It  becomes  my  duty  to  represent  to  your  excel- 
lency, that  a  citizen  of  the  U.  States,  and  an  inhabitant  of 
Havre-de-Grace  for  the  last  fifteen  years,  named  O'Neale, 
has  been  recently  taten  in  arms,  and  in  defence  of  his  pro- 
perty and  family,  at  that  place,  by  a  detachment  from  his 
L  •  i^.xf  *'i  ^?^^'"S  under  your  command ;  and  that  the 
bid  O  jNeale  has  been  menaced  with  immediate  and  capi- 
lal  punishment,  as  a  traitor  to  the  government  of  his  B.  M. 
(on  the  ground  of  his  being,  by  birth,  an  Irishman.  No- 
khing,  m  the  course  of  public  duty,  would  be  more  pain- 
ful to  me,  than  the  obligation  of  resorting  to  the  law  of  re- 
laliation  on  this,  or  any  other  occasion;  but.  Sir,  in  the 
JBvent  of  O'Neale's  execution,  painful  as  may  be  the  duty, 
It  becomes  unavoidable :  and  I  am  authorized  and  com- 
jnanded  to  state  to  your  excellency,  that  iwo  British  sub- 
jects shall  be  selected,  by  lot  or  otherwise,  and  immedi- 
Titely  executed. 

,  It  is  for  your  excellency  to  choose,  whether  a  charac- 
ker  of  such  barbarism  be,  or  be  not  given  to  the  war, 
hvaged  under  your  immediate  direction. 
I  am,  &c. 

HENRY  MILLER,  Bri^.  Gen. 
His  Ex.  J.  B.  Warren.  ** 


f 


■f. 


DEARBORN. 


ANSWER. 

^^'  '^'  ^'  "^"^  Domingo,  May  10, 18 1 3. 

blK — 1  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter, 
of  the  8th  inst.  respecting  a  man  named  O'Neale,  taken 
jby  a  detachment  from  the  squadron,  under  the  orders  of 
IKear  Admiral  Cockburn.  This  man  has  been  released, 
jiipon  the  application  of  the  magistrates  of  Havre-de-Grace, 
Ion  parole.  I  was  not  informed  of  tiiis  man  being  an  Irish- 
Iman,  or  he  would  certainly  have  been  detained,  to  account 
to  his  sovereign  and  country,  for  being  in  arms  against  the 
IBritish  colors.  I  am.  &c. 

.T.  B.  WARREN. 


*.    /  „ 


I  f 


h''l 


88 

GEN.  HARRISON'S  ARMY. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Oen.  Harrison,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  daiM 

Head-Quarters,  Camp  Meigs,  9lh  May,  I813, 
SIR— I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  the  enemy, 
having  been  several  days  making  pr^arations  for  raisin?  1 
the  siege  of  this  post,  accomphshed  tnis  day  the  removal 
of  their  artillery,  from  the  opposite  bank,  and  about  m 
o'clock  left  their  encampment  below,  were  soon  embark! 
cd,  and  out  of  sight. — I  nave  the  honor  to  enclose  you  anl 
agreement  between  Gen.  Proctor  and  myself,  for  the  m 
charge  of  the  prisoners  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  in  his  poJ 
session,  and  for  the  exchange  of  the  officers  and  men  o( 
the  regular  troops,  which  were  respectively  possessed  bJ 
us.     My  anxiety  to  get  the  Kentucky  troops  released,  ai| 
early  as  possible,  induced  me  to  agree  to  the  dismission  o( 
all  the  prisoners  I  had,  although  there  was  not  as  many 
ours,  in  Gen.  Proctor's  possession ;  the  surplussage  is  tol 
be  accounted  for,  and  an  equal  number  of  ours  released 
from  their  parole,  whenever  the  government  may  thinl! 
proper  to  direct  it. 

The  two  actions  on  this  side  the  river,  on  the  5th,  wenl 
infinitely  more  important,  and  more  honorable  to  our  arras, 
than  I  had  at  first  conceived.  In  the  sortie  made  upon  tlii 
left  flank,  Capt.  Waring's  company  of  the  19th  regimenl. 
a  detachment  of  12  months  volunteers,  under  Major  Alei- 
ander,  and  three  companies  of  Kentucky  militia,  undeil 
Col.  Boswell,  defeated,  at  least,  double  the  number  of  fc 
dians  and  British  militia.  The  sortie  on  the  right  waii 
still  more  glorious.  The  British  batteries,  in  that  direcj 
t'on,  were  defended  by  the  grenadier  and  light  infanti] 
companies,  of  the  41st  regiment,  amounting  to  200  effec- 
tives, and  two  companies  of  militia,  flanked  by  a  host  ol 
Indians.  The  detachment  sent  to  attack  these,  consisted 
of  all  the  men  off  duty,  belonging  to  the  companies  of 
Croghan  and  Bradford,  of  the  17th  regiment,  Langhaml 
Elliott's,  (late  Graham's,)  and  Waring's,  of  the  19th,  about 
80  of  Major  Alexander's  volunteers,  and  a  single  compa- 
ny of  Kentucky  militia,  under  Captain  Sebry,  amounting, 
in  the  whole,  to  not  more  than  340.     Yet  the  event  of  the 


«9 

action  was  not  a  moment  doubtful ;  and,  had  not  the  Bri. 

tjsh  troops  been  covered  .n  their  retreat,  by  their  a/Z 

the  whole  of  them  would  have  been  taken  ' 

^     It  19  not  possible  for  troops  to  behave  better  than  our's 
M,  throughout;  all  the  offfcers  exerted  themselves  to  ex! 

ecute  my  orders,  and  the  enemy,  who  had  a  full  view  of 
our  operations,  from  the  opposite  shore,  declared  that  Ly 

had  never  seen  so  much  work  done,  in  so  short  a  time  ^ 
[     1  o  all  the  commandants  of  corps,  I  feel  narf  ir..l«^    ui- 

:ations;  these  were  Col.  Miller,  oV  heT9t£  iSrv  r  l" 

Jills,  of  the  Ohio  militia,  MajoJ  StodlJt  ofTfeS 

"Z^l^^: '''''"-'^  -^  Major  Johnson,  o?T^e 
Captam  Gratiot,  of  the  engineers,  having  been,  for  a 
bng  time,  much  indisposed,  the  task  of  forti^ing  th  s  post 

evolved  on  Captam  \Vood;  it  could  not  have  been  Zed 
[abetter  hands.  Permit  me  to  recommend  Wm  to  the 
President,  and  to  assure  you  that  any  mark  of  hTs  appro! 
gallon,  bestowed  on  Captain  Wood,  Would  be  highl/La- 

fymgto  the  whole  of  the  troops,  who  witnesselKs^Ir 
^uous  exertions.  ^^ 

From  Major  Hukill,  my  aid-de-camp  Major  Grab^n, 
.eutenant  6'Fallon.  and ^  volunteer^id-ie-camp  J^^^^^^^ 
Johnson,  Esq  I  received  the  most  useful  assistant 

1  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
rounded^^during  the  siege,  and  in  the  two  sortie      those 

S^k^'^'mF'  ^"f  ^^"^  ^M^osures  to  the  continued  rains 

hich  have  fallen  almost  everyday,  for  some  time  past 

en  ers  ^e  incapable  of  mentioning'nianyinteresrgS 

jculars ;  amongst  others,  a  most  extraordinary  prSposi- 

onoi&en.  Proctor's,  on  the  subject  of  the  Indfanrwith- 

or  boundary ;  this  shall  form  the  subject  of  a  commu- 

i.ca  .on,  to  be  made  lo-morrow  or  next  d^y,  and  for  wS 

will  provide  a  safer  conveyance  than  thai  which  caries 

Alltlic  prisoners  and  deserters  agree  in  savinir   thai 
^Mnformafon  given  to  M^or  Stoddard,  by  ^fnd!  of 


the  Biilibli  having  launched  a  sloon  of  war,  this  spring,  in 
incorrect;  the  most  of  them  say,  that  the  one  now  build-l 
ing  will  not  be  launched  for  many  weeks. 

I  am,  &c. 

W.  H.  HARRISON. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong. 

In  the  seiege,  and  the  several  sorties  of  the  5th  instant, 
(here  was  81  killed,  and  109  wounded — total,  killed  and 
wounded,  270. 


i 


:  I     !^ 


FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS. 

Copy  of  a  Dispatch,  from  Maj.  General  William  H.  Harristn^  ttHi 
Secretary  of  War,  dated  ' 

Head-Quarters,  Loner  Sandusky, 

May  13,  1813. 

SIR — Having  ascertained  that  the  enemy  (Indians 
well  as  British,)  had  entirely  abandoned  the  neighboN 
hood  of  the  Rapids,  I  left  the  command  of  Camp  Meij 
with  General  Clay,  and  came  here  last  night.     It  is  wit 
the  greatest  satisfrxtion  i  inform  you.  Sir,  that  I  have  evd 
ry  reason  to  believe  that  the  loss  of  the  Kentucky  troops' 
in  killed,  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  does  not  exced 
fifty.     On  the  10th  and  11th  inst.  I  caused  the  ground 
which  was  the  scene  of  action,  and  its  environs,  to  be  can 
fully  examined ;  and,  after  the  most  diligent  search,  d 
bodies  only,  of  our  men,    vere  discovered ;  amongst  ttei 
was  the  leader  of  tie  detachment,  Col.  Dudley.    IS 
other  officer  of  note  fell  in  the  action.     I  have  strong  red 
son  to  believe,  that  a  considerable  number  of  KentucHI 
ans  effected  their  retreat  up  thr  river,  to  fort  WinchesteJ 
General  Proctor  did  not  furnish  me  with  a  return  of  t!l 
prisoners  in  his  possession,  although  repeatedly  promise! 

His  retreat  was  as  precipitate  as  it  could  properly  W 
leaving  a  number  of  cannon-balls,  a  new  elegant  slini 
carriage,  for  cannon,  and  other  valuable  articles.  Tlir 
night  before  his  departure,  two  persons  that  were  emplojj 
ed  in  the  British  gun-boats,  (Americans  by  birth)  deseilj 


HARRISON. 


m  H.  Harrison,  toni 


91 

ed  to  us—the  inform;,  ^m  they  gave  me  was  very  intei- 
estiiif,';  ihey  say  that  the  Indians,  1600,  or  2000,  left  the 
Bntiiih,  the  day  before  their  departiire,  in  a  high  state  of 
dih  atisfactjon,  from  tlie  great  loss  which  they  had  sustain- 
ed m  tiie  several  engagements  of  the  5th,  and  the  failuio 
ol  the  British,  w  accomplishing  their  promiHc,  of  taking 
the  post  at  the  Rapids.     From  the  account  given  by  these 
men,  my  opinion  is  confirmed  of  the  great  s  iperiority  of 
the  enemy,  whi(  h  were  defeated  by  our  troops  in  the  two 
sall.es,  ruado  on  il  o  5th  instant.     That,  led  by  Col.  Miller, 
did  not  exceed  350  men;  and  it  is  very  certain  that  they 
deleatcd  200  Bi-itish  regulars,  1.-50  militia  men,  and  4  or 
500  Indians.     That  American  regulais,  (althoucrh  ihey 
were  raw  recruits,)  and  such  men  as  compose  tlie  Pitts- 
burgh, Fenn.  and  Pctersbiirffh,  Va.  volunteers,  should  be- 
have well,  18  not  to  be  wondered  at;  but,  that  a  company 
of  militia  should  maiitain  its  ground,  against  four  times  its 
numbets,  as  did  Captain  Sebie's,  of  thb  Kentucky,  is  trulr 
astonishing.     These  brave  fellows  were  at  length,  hovv- 
cver,  entirely  surrounded  by  Indians,  and  would  have  been 
entirely  cut  off,  but  for  the  gallantry  of  I.ieut.  Gvvynne, 
of  tlic  10th  regiment,  who,  with  a  part  of  Captain  Elliott's' 
company,  charged  the  enemy,  and  released  the  Kentucki- 


ans.— You  will  receive,  herewith,  a  monthly  return  of  the 
troo{)s,  at  Camp  Meigs,  for  the  last  month;  the  commu- 
nication with  the  other  posts  being  cut  oiF,  the  returns 
hvere  not  received.  A  copy  of  Gen.  Clay's  report  to  me, 
o(  the  manner  of  his  executing  my  order,  for  the  attack  on 
the  enemy's  batteries,  is  likewise  forwarded,  by  which  it 
will  I)e  seen  that  my  intentions  were  perlectly  understood  • 
and  the  great  facility  with  which  they  might  have  been 
executed,  is  apparent  to  every  individual  who  witnessed 
the  scene;  indeed,  the  cannon  might  have  been  spiked, 
the  carnages  cut  to  pieces,  the  magazine  destroyed,  and 
the  retreat  effected  to  the  boats,  without  the  loss  of  a  man, 
as  none  were  killed  in  taking  the  batteries— so  complete 
was  the  surprize. 

An  extensive  open  plain  intervenes,  between  the  river 
and  the  hill,  upon  which  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  were 
placed;  this  plain  was  raked  by  4  of  our  18  pounders,  a 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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92 


:'  'i  >  ii 


12,  and  a  6 ;  the  enemy,  even  before  their  guns  were 
spiked,  could  not  have  brought  one  to  bear  upon  it.  So 
perfectly  secured  was  their  retreat,  that  150  men,  who 
came  off,  effected  it  without  loss,  and  brought  off  some  ol 
the  wounded,  one  of  them  upon  the  backs  of  his  comrades. 
The  Indians  followed  them  to  the  woods,  but  dared  not 
enter  into  the  plain. 

I  am  unable  to  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  enemy'g 
force.  The  prisoners  varied  much  in  their  accounts; 
those  who  made  them  least,  stated  the  regulars  at  550, 
and  the  militia  at  800  ;  but  the  number  of  Indians  were 
beyond  comparison  greater  than  have  ever  been  brought 
into  the  field  before  ;  numbers  arrived  after  the  siege  com- 
menced. I  have  caused  their  camps,  on  the  S.  E.  side 
of  the  river,  to  be  particularly  examined,  and  the  general 
opinion  is,  that  there  could  not  have  been  fewer  on  that  | 
side,  than  10  or  1200 — they  were,  indeed  the  efficient  I 
force  of  the  enemy. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you,  that  Major  Stoddard  died  the  I 
night  before  I  left  the  Rapids,  of  a  lock-jaw,  produced  by 
a  slifht  wound,  from  a  fragment  of  a  shell,  which  struck 
him  on  the  thigh ;  several  have  died  in  this  way,  from  their  | 
great  and  unavoidable  exposure  to  the  cold ;  but,  per- 
haps, there  were  never  so  many  instances  of  desperate  I 
wounds  being  likely  to  do  well.     The  gallant  Captain  | 
Bradford  will  recover. 

I  shall  go  iVom  here  to  Upper  Sandusky,  and  shall  take  I 
my  station  at  Delaware,  or  Franklinton,  until  the  troops 
are  assembled.     Gen.  Clay,  who  commands  at  the  Rapias,  | 
is  a  man  of  capacity,  and  entirely  to  be  relied  upon. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  WM.  H.  HARRISON. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War. 


:m\ 


GENERAL  CLAY'S  REPORT. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Clay  to  Gen.  Harrison. 

Camp  at  Fort  Meigs,  May  — ,  1813. 

SIR — On  the  5th  instant,  about  8  o'clock,  A.  M,  de 

scending  the  Miami  of  the  lake,  about  midway  of  the  Ra- 


03 

pids,  with  1200  of  the  Kentucky  troops,  in  eighteen  flat 
bottomed  boats, !  was  met  by  Capt.  Hamilton.°and  a  sub- 
altern, who  delivered  me  (as  he  said)  the  orders  of  Mai 
Gen.  Harrison,  to  the  following  effect;  .  #i 

"You  must  detach  about  800  men  from  your  brieade 
who  will  land  at  a  point  I  ..ill  show,  about  one,  ofonJ 

f°i^  R  C?^r  ^^"y^  *^^  ^«"*'  ^"^  '  ^i"  conduct  them 
to  the  British  batteries,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river— 
they  must  take  possession  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  spike 
them,  cut  down  the  carriages,  and  retuni  to  their  boats," 
observing  that  the  British  force,  at  their  large  batteries, 
was  inconsiderable;  but  that  their  main  force  was  at  tho 
old  garrison,  about  one  and  a  half  miles  below,  on  the 
same  side  of  the  river-"  the  balance  of  the  men,  under 

fol!  ? t"?'  "L  '"^^  •  ^^H*  ^^''l  ^^^'  *^"'°"gh  tK^  Indians, 
w    u  [°^*  !-ob«J^'nff  that  the  route,  thus  to  be  taken 

with  Captain  Ham.  ton,  who  would  land  the  perouL  at 
^the^pomt  on  the  right  bank,  at  wiiich  the  bSats  would 

nJ^^  7u^'^  a^  descending  the  river  in  boats,  was  the 

Zn  1  l"  ""m""  i r''^''  '^  ^'"^  °^'  battle,  in  solid  co- 
lumn, each  officer  akmg  position  according  to  his  rank 
Col.  Dudley,  the  eldest  dofonel,  led  the  van,  and  in  tht 
order,  the  mer  had  been  descended.  As  soon  as  Captain 
Hamdton  had  delivered  these  orders,  being  in  theC 
eenth  boat  from  the  front,  I  directed  him  to  proceed  im- 

ntt  1  /rV  /f^^"^"-''""*^  ^^"-  Harrison's  orders, 
on  he  left  bank  of  the  river;  and  post  his  (Capt.  HamiU 
0.S)  s^^^^         on  the  right  banlc,  to  coLdu^t  mjsTlf, 

•  h  the  men  m  the  six  rear  boats,  to  the  fort.  I  ordered 
the  five  boats  in  the  rear  to  fall  in  a  line,  aiid  follow  me. 
High  winds,  and  the  rapidity  of  the  current,  drove  four  of 
he  rear  boats  ashore,  m  the  attempt  to  follow  on  accord- 

oir  ?"' J?"'"  u  ^y  '"""^'"^^  ^  «h°rt  time ;  sufficient, 
however,  to  detam  them  one  half,  or  three  fourths  of  a 
mile  in  the  rear.— To  land,  according  to  order,  I  kept 
close  along  the  right  b.^Jc,  until  opposite  Col.  DudJey'« 


}    I 
%    1 


■I 


■:\ ' 


■H 


\  .t" 


in  :   ^< 


UN.  .h^^ 


94 

landing:  there  I  found  no  guide  left,  to  conduct  me  to  the 
fort,  as  Captain  Hamilton  had  promised.    I  then  made  an 
attempt  to  cross  the  river,  and  join  Col.  Dudley ;  but, 
from  the  rapid  current  on  the  falls,  I  was  unable  to  land 
on  the  point  with  him.     Being  nearly  half  way  across  the 
river,  and  the  waves  running  too  hi^h  to  risque  the  boat, 
then  driven  down  the  current  sidewise,  veered  about,  and 
rowed  the  best  way  we  could,  to  save  the  boats.     My  at- 
tempt  to  cross  the  river,  to  Col.  Dudley,  occasioned  all  the 
boats,  (I  presume  in  the  rear  of  me,)  and  which  were 
then  out  of  hailing  distance,  to  cross  over,  and  land  with 
Col.  Dudley,     Having  been  defeated  in  a  landing  on  the 
left,  we  then  endeavored  to  effect  one  on  the  right,  even 
without  a  guide  ;  but,  before  a  landing  could  be  effected, 
we  received  a  brisk  fire  from  the  enemy  on  shore,  winch 
was  returned,  and  kept  up  on  both  sides ;  and  I  was,  in 
this  unavoidable  situation,  compelled  to  make   to  Fort 
Meigs,  with  no  other  force  than  about  50  men  on  board, 
(the  other  boats  being  still  in  the  rear)  and  to  receive  the 
enemv's  fire,  until  we  arrived  under  the  protection  of  the 
fort.  '  Col.  Boswell's  command  (except  the  men  in  ray 
boat,)  having  landed,  to  join  Col.  Dudley,  were,  as  I  have 
been  informed,  ordered,  by  Captain  Hamilton,  immediate- 
ly  to  embark,  and  land  on  the  right  hand  shore,  about  a 
mile  above  the  fort,  and  prepare  to  fight  his  way  through 
to  the  garrison.     The  Colonel  embarked,  landed,  as  he  | 
conceived,  at  the  proper  point,  pursuant  to  Captain  Ham- 
ilton's order,  and  was  forming  his  men  in  order  of  battle, 
when  he  was  met  by  Captain  Shaw,  and  ordered  to  march 
into  the  garrison,  at  open  order,  the  safest  route. 

When  my  own  boat  landed,  wc  were  met  by  two  men, 
who  took  charge  of  the  boat,  as  we  understood,  to  bring 
her  under  the  protection  of  the  fort  batteries ;  believing 
our  baggage  to  be  thus  made  safe,  we  forbid  our  servants 
to  carry  any  portion  of  it ;  but  loaded  them  with  cannon- 
balls,  which  they  bore  to  the  fort.  Our  baggage  was, 
however,  taken  by  the  Indians,  in  a  very  short  time  after 
we  left  the  boat.  In  receiving  the  orders  of  Capt.  Hamil- 
ton, I  asked  if  he  had  brought  spikes,  to  spike  the  ene- 
my's  cannon.^  to  which  he  replied,  that  he  had  plenty. 


9d 

Captain  Hamilton,  on  delivering  the  orders  of  General 
Harrison,  observed,  that  the  object  of  landing,  and 
marching  a  portion  of  the  troops  on  the  right  bank,  wa» 
to  draw  the  attention  of  the  Indians ;  and,  by  thus  en- 
gaging them,  afford  an  opportunity  to  the  garrison  to 
make  a  sally ;  and,  by  a  circuitous  route,  surprize  and 
carry  the  batteries,  and  cannon  of  the  enemy,  below  the 
fort,  on  the  right  bank. 

1  am,  respectfully,  &c. 

,r.   r,     ,.  .  ^      ,  GREEN  CLAY,  Brig.  Gen. 
Hts  Ex.  Maj.  Gen.  Harrison. 
(A  true  Copy) 

G.  CROGHAN,  A.  D.  C. 


> 


TAKING  OF  PORT  GEORGE. 

Copies  0/ letters  from  Commodore  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

Navy.  "^ 

U.  8.  Ship  Madison, 

___     ^        ^  Niagara  River,  21th  May,  1813. 

bin — 1  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  say, 

that  the  American  flag  is  flying  upon  fort  George.  We 

were  in  quiet  possession  of  all  the  forts  at  12  o'clock. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

I.  CHAUNCEY. 

U.  S.  S.  Madison,  28th  May,  1813. 
SIR— Agreeably  to  arrangements,  which  I  have  al- 
ready had  the  honor  of  detailing  to  you,  I  left  Racket's 
Harbor,  with  this  ship,  on  the  22d  inst.  with  about  350 
of  Col.  M'Comb's  regiment  on  board ;  the  winds  being 
light  from  the  westward,  1  did  not  arrive  in  the  vicinity 
of  Niagara,  before  the  25tb ;  the  other  parts  of  the 
squadron  had  arrived,  several  days  before,  and  landed 
their  troops.  The  Fair  American,  and  Pert,  I  had  or- 
dered to  Sacket's  Harbor,  for  the  purpose  of  watching 
the  enemy's  movements  at  Kingston.  I  immediately 
had  an  interview  with  Gen.  Dearborn,  for  the  purpose 
«f  making  arrangements  to  attack  the  enemy,  as  soon  as 


i 


W^ 


liA 


I» 


■1  *I* 


96 

possible ;  and  it  was  agreed,  between  him  and  myself, 
to  make  the  attack  the  moment  that  the  weather  was 
such  as  to  allow  the  vessels  and  boats  to  approach  the 
•hore  with  safety.  On  the  26th,  I  reconnoitered  the 
position  for  landing  the  troops,  and  at  night  sounded 
the  shore,  and  placed  buoys  to  sound  out  the  stationi 
for  the  small  vessels.  It  was  agreed,  between  the  Gene- 
ral and  myself,  to  make  the  aitack  the  next  morning, 
(as  the  weather  had  moderated,  and  had  every  appear- 
ance of  being  favorable.)  1  took  on  board  of  the  Ma- 
dison, Oneida,  and  Lady  of  the  Lake,  all  the  heavy  ar- 
tiHery,  and  as  many  troops  as  could  be  stowed  ;  the 
remainder  w^ere  to  embark  in  boats,  and  follow  the 
fleet.  At  3,  yesterday  morning,  the  signal  was  made 
for  the  fleet  to  weigh,  and  the  troops  were  all  embarked 
on  board  the  boats  before  4,  and  soon  after  Gens.  Dear- 
born and  Lewis  came  on  board  this  ship,  with  their 
suites.  It  being,  however,  nearly  calm,  the  schooners 
were  obliged  to  sweep  into  their  positions.  Mr.  Trant, 
in  the  Julia,  and  Mr.  Mix,  in  the  Growler,  I  directed 
to  take  a  position  in  the  mouth  of  a  river,  and  silence  | 
a  battery,  near  the  light-house,  which,  from  its  position, 
commanded  the  shore  where  our  troops  were  to  land. 
Mr.  Stevens,  in  the  Ontario,  was  directed  to  take  a  po- 
sition to  the  north  of  the  light-house,  so  near  in  shore 
as  to  enfllade  the  battery,  and  cross  the  fire  of  the  Ju- 
lia and  Growler.  Lieutenant  Brown,  in  the  Governor 
Tompkins,  I  directed  to  take  a  position  neai  to  Two 
Mile  Creek,  where  the  enemy  had  a  battery,  with  a 
heavy  gun.  Lieutenant  Pettigrew,  in  the  Conbuest, 
was  directed  to  anchor  to  the  S.  E.  of  the  same  batte- 1 
ry,  so  near  in,  as  to  open  on  it  in  the  rear,  and  cross  the 
fire  of  the  Governor  Tompkins.  Lieutenant  M'Pher- 
son,  in  the  Hamilton,  Lieut.  Smith,  in  the  Asp,  and  Mr. 
Osgood,  in  the  Scourge,  were  directed  to  anchor  close 
to  the  shore,  and  cover  the  landing  of  the  troops;  and 
to  scour  the  woods  and  plain,  whenever  the  enemy 
made  his  appearance.  AH  these  orders  were  most| 
promptly  and  gallantly  executed  ;  all  the  vessels  an- 
chored within  musquet-shot  of  the  shore,  and  in  ten  | 


87 

minutes  afterthey  opened  the  batteries,  they  were  rn™ 

noITdv^S;  ir^e^affote"  t^Thr 'd*"  "^^  I  --' 
10  charge  our  Uolm    tZ  jJl       "''^^  "^ ""«  ''»'*' 

[er,  that  thee„e»y  so^  related  frLr.rb?nk"our 

ererv  direction   ihT^r*'*'''  ""■'' ''""'«''  ""e  enemy  in 

Un.  Owing  to  tlie  wind  hanng  sprZ'm  veryCl^ 
^rom  the  eastward,  which  caused  a  hea'^l  XdS' 
m  shore,  I  was  not  able  to  get  the  boa(,nff  .„  i. T.u^ 
iroops  from  the  Madison  afd  OnXbefo^"  ^he  «,*!;? 
l 'f  "d  brigades  had  advanced  '  CaptSnsJf 
nh  the  marines,  landed  with  Col.  M^oX  "^i rlt! 

d  l^.h  ^sK.r  *'"«».  rweh  I  im:^rd"to 

lanu  w.m  myself,  if  the  enemy  had  made  a  stand  •  h..# 

S  Ger?"!!:?"!^™  r.rP""^  into'tBetwn:  a'rf 
»ri  ueorge,  that  J  found  there  was  no  necessili  fn- 
«ore  force ;  moreover,  the  wind  had  increased  som.rh 

le  t  h"Id  r""  "  ''V"  «'«"-^'  'h-t  the^Xatio^At* 
feet  had  become  dangerous  and  critical      I   (h„ 

.re,  made  signal  for  tEe  fleet  to  w"igb.  and  irderS 

iier  me  enemy  had  abandoned  fort  George     Thi^ 

12o'c1ocr^;:d''i1  '"  ^"-^  possession  oZfr'tJop: 

SstSeenlVn"  """^  '''''''^'  ^"  ^  ^-^*- 

Where  all  behaved  so  v,e\l  it  is  difficult  to  select 

utTlather"^?t'^""%y^^'  ^»  doin.  justice  to 
hers     H?  ««   f"*  f  ''"  "°f  ^^^''^^^  f'-o"*  tL  merits  of 

rin^  ihJ  ♦  '^endered  very  important  service,  in  co- 
CanS p'"  ^".'"P^^tf  b'  that  their  loss  wa, 
Captam  Perry  jomed  me,  from  Erie,  on  the 


y. 


rifling. 


98 

evening;  of  (he  25th,  and  very  gallantly  volunteered  hi» 
services ;  and  1  have  much  pleasure  in  acknowledging 
the  great  assistance  which  1  received  from  him,  in  ar- 
ranging and  superintending  the  debarkation  of  the 
troops ;  he  was  present  at  every  point  where  he  could 
be  useful,  under  sliowers  of  musquetry ;  but,  fortunate- 
ly, escaped  unhurt.  We  lost  but  one  killed,  and  two 
wounded,  and  no  injury  done  to  the  vessels. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 


m      \  ' 


I     1 »     ■ 


FUIITHER  REPORT. 

Copies  of  Idlers  from  Maj.  General  Dearborn,  to  the  Secretary  (j 
'^      ""  War,  dated 

Head-Quarters,  Fort  George, 

17.  Canarfa,  May  27,1813. 

SIR— The  light  troops,  under  the  command  of  Col 
Scott  and  Maj.  Forsyth,  landed  this  morning,  at  nine 
o'clock.  Maj.  Gen.  Lewis'  division,  with  Col.  Fori 
ter's  command  of  light  artillery,  supported  them.  Gea 
Boyd's  brigade  landed  immediately  after  the  ligtl 
troops,  and  Generals  Winder  and  Chandler  followed  ii 
quick  succession.  The  landing  was  warmly  and  obstH 
nately  disputed  by  the  British  forces  ;  but  the  coolnea 
and  intrepidity  of  our  troops,  soon  compelled  them  to| 
give  ground  in  every  direction. 

General  Chandler,  with  the  reserve,  (composed 
his  brigade,  and  Col.  M'Comb's  artillery)  covered  the 
whole.— Com.  Chauncey  had  made  the  most  judiciowl 
arrangements  for  silencing  the  enemy's  batteries,  neail 
the  point  of  landing  The  army  is  under  the  greatestl 
obligations  to  that  able  naval  commander,  for  his  co-l 
operation  in  all  its  important  movements,  and  especiall 
ly  in  its  operations  this  day.  Our  batteries  succeeddl 
in  rendering  fort  George  untenable;  and,  when  theenel 
my  had  been  beaten  from  his  positions,  and  found  itnej 
cessary  to  re-enter  it,  alter  firing  a  few  guns,  and  settinj 
fire  to  the  magazines,  which  soon  exploded,  he  moTr 


CHAUNCEY. 


99 

off  rapidly  by  different  routes;  our  light  troops  pur- 
sued them  several  miles.  The  troops  having  been  un- 
der anns,  trom  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  were  too 
much  exhausted  for  any  further  pursuit.  We  are  now 
in  possession  of  fort  George,  and  its  immediate  depen- 
dencies ;  to-morrow  we  shall  proceed  further  on.  The 
behaviour  of  our  troops,  both  officers  and  men,  entitle 
them  to  the  highest  praise ;  and  the  difference  in  our 
loss,  with  that  of  the  enemy,  when  we  consider  the  ad- 
vantages his  position  afforded  iiim,  is  astonishing  —we 
had  17  killed,  and  45  wounded—the  enemy  had  90  kil- 
led, and  IGO  wounded,  of  the  regular  troops.  We  have 
taken  100  prisoners,  exclusive  of  the  wounded  Col 
Meyers,  of  the  49th,  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  • 
of  ours,  only  one  commissioned  officer  was  killed^ 
Lieut  Hobart,  of  the  light  artillery.  Enclosed  is  the 
report  of  Major-Generul  Lewis. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

„     ^      ^  ^  H.  DEARBORN. 

JHon.  tren.  J.  Armstrongs 


m\ 


GEN.  LEWIS'  REPORT. 

On  the  Field,  1  o'clock,  27th  May,  1813. 
DEAR  SIK^Fort  George  and  its  dependencies  are 
ours;  the  enemy,  beaten  at  all  points,  has  blown  up 
his  magazines,  and  retired.  It  is  impossible,  at  this 
time,  to  say  any  thing  of  individual  gallantry ;  there 
was  no  man  who  did  not  perform  his  duty  in  a  manner 
which  did  honor  to  himself  and  country.  Scott's  and 
Forsyth  s  commands,  supported  by  Boyd's  and  Win- 
der s  brigades,  sustained  the  brunt  of  the  action.  Our 
loss  IS  trifling  -  not  more  than  20  killed,  and  twice  that 
number  wounded.  The  enemy  has  left  in  the  hospital 
lU,  and  I  sent  several  on  board  of  the  fleet.  We  have 
also  made  about  100  prisoners  of  the  regular  forces. 
I  am,  &c. 

lM.tr       n      .  MORGAN  LEWIS. 

Maj.  Gen.  Dearborn. 


100 
FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS. 

Hend-Quarters,  Fort  George,  May  29lh,  1813, 

SIR — Gen.  Lewis  was  ordered  to  inarch  yesterday 
morning,  with  Chandler's  and  Winder's  brigades,  the 
liglit  artillery,  dragoons,  and  riflemen,  in  pursuit  of  the 
enemy,  by  way  of  Q,ueenstown.  I  had  received  satis- 
factory information  that  the  enemy  had  made  a  stand 
on  the  mountain,  at  a  place  called  the  Beaver-dam, 
where  he  had  a  deposit  of  provisions  and  stores  ;  and 
that  he  had  been  joined  by  300  regulars,  from  Kings- 
ton,  landed  from  some  small  vessels,  near  the  head  of 
the  lake. 

I  had  ascertained  that  he  wm  calling  in  the  militia, 
and  had  presumed  he  would  confide  in  the  strength  of 
his  position,  and  venture  an  action,  by  which  an  oppor- 
tunity would  be  aflbrded,  to  cut  off  his  retreat.  I  have 
been  disappointed.  Although  the  troops,  from  fort 
Erie  and  Chippewa,  had  joined  the  main  body,  at  Bea- 
ver-dam, he  broke  up  yesterday,  precipitately,  continu- 
ed his  route  along  the  mountains,  and  will  reach  the 
head  of  the  lake  by  that  route. 

Lieut.  Col.  Preston  took  possession  of  fort  Erie,  and 
its  dependencies,  last  evening ;  the  post  had  been  aban- 
doned, and  the  magazine  blown  up. 

I  have  ordered  Gen.  Lewis  to  return,  without  delay, 
to  this  place  ;  and,  if  the  winds  favor  us,  we  may  yet 
cut  off  the  enemy's  retreat.  I  was,  last  evening,  honor- 
ed with  your  dispatch  of  the  15th  inst.  I  have  taken 
measures  in  relation  to  the  23  prisoners,  who  are  to  be 
put  in  close  confinement. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  H.  DEARBORN. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  of  War. 

DEFENCE  OF  SACKET'S  HARBOR. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Brig.  Oen.  Jacob  Brotvn,  to  his  Ex.  Qov. 

Tompkins,  dated 

Sacked s  Harbor,  May  29,  1813. 
We  were  attacked  at  the  dawn  of  this  day,  by  a  Bri- 
tish regular  force,  of  at  least  900  men,  (and  most  pro- 


bablyI200;)  they  made  good  their  landing  at  Horse- 
Island.      1  tie   enemy's  fleet  consisted  of  two   ships, 
4  schooners,  and  30  large  open  boats.     We  are  com- 
pletely victorious  ;  the  enemy  lost  a  considerable  num- 
ber m  killed  and  wounded,  on  the  field ;  among  the 
number,  several  officers  of  distinction.    After  having 
re-embarked,  they  sent  me  a  flag,  desiring  to  have  their 
killed  and  wounded  attended  to  :  1  made  them  satisfied 
on  that  subject— Americans  will  be  distinguished  for 
humanitv  and  bravery.     Our  loss  is  not  numerous,  but 
serious,  from  (he  great  worth  of  those  who  have  fallen. 
Col.  Mills  was  shot  dead  at  the  commencement  of  the 
action ;  and  Col.  Backus,  of  the  light  dragoons,  nobly 
fell  at  the  head  of  his  regiment,  as  victory  was  declaring 
for  us.    I  will  not  presume  to  praise  this  regiment  ;— 
much  gallant  conduct  on  this  day,  deserves  more  than 
praise.    The  new  ship,  and  Com.  Chauncey's  prize,  the 
Duke  of  Gloucester,  are  yet  safe  in  Sacket's  Harbor. 
Sir  George  Prevost  landed,  and  commanded  in  person. 
Sir  James  L.  Yeo  commanded  the  enemy's  fleet. 
In  haste — Yours,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN, 


)EARBOUN. 


FURTHER  ACCOUNT. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Qen.  Brown,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  daieit 

Socket's  Harbor,  June  1, 1813. 

SIR— In  the  course  of  the  28th,  and  during  the  28th 
and  29th  ult.  a  considerable  militia  force  came  in,  and 
were  ordered  to  the  water-side,  near  Horse-Island,  on 
which  was  Lieut  Col.  Mills,  and  his  volunteers.  Our 
strength,  at  this  point,  was  now  500  men,  all  anxious  for 
battle,  as  far  as  profession  would  go. 

The  moment  it  was  light  enough  to  discover  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy,  we  found  his  ships  inline,  betwecB 
Horse-Island  and  Stoney-point,  and,  in  a  few  minutes 
afterwards,  33  large  boats,  filled  with  troops,  came  off* 
to  the  larger  Indian  or  Garden-Island,  under  cover  of 
the  fire  of  his  gun-boat?. 


^^^WP^t'^^ 


f  'S. 


'I 


102 

My  orders  were,  that  the  troops  should  lie  close,  and 
reserve  their  fire,  until  the  enemy  had  approached  so 
near  that  every  shot  might  hit  its  object.  It  is,  how- 
ever,  impossible  to  execute  suchorders  with  raw  troops, 
unaccustomed  to  subordination.  D^y  orders  were.  In 
this  case,  disobeyed ;  the  whole  line  fired,  and  not  with- 
out etiect ;  but,  in  the  moment  while  I  was  contem- 
plating this,  to  my  utter  astonishment,  they  rose  from 
their  cover  andjlcd.  Col.  Mills  fell  gallantly,  in  brave, 
but  in  vain  endeavors  to  stop  his  men.  I  was,  person- 
ally, more  fortunate: — gathering  together  about  100 
militia,  under  the  immediate  cominand  of  Capt.  M'JNitt, 
of  that  corps,  we  threw  ourselves  on  the  rear  of  the  ene- 
my's left  flank,  and,  I  trust,  did  some  execution  ;— It 
was  during  this  last  movement  that  the  regulars,  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Backus,  first  engaged  the  enemy; 
nor  was  it  long  before  they  defeated  him.  Hurrying 
to  this  point  of  action,  I  found  the  battle  still  raging, 
but  with  obvious  advantage  on  our  side.  The  result  of 
the  action,  so  glorious  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  of 
the  regular  army,  has  already  been  communicated,  in 
my  letter  of  the  29th.  Had  not  Gen.  Prevost  retreat- 
ed, most  rapidly,  under  the  guns  of  his  vessels,  he  would 
never  have  returned  to  Kingston. 

One  thing,  in  this  business,  is  tb  be  seriously  regret- 
ted ;  in  the  midst  of  the  conflict,  fire  was  ordered  to 
be  set  to  the  navy  barracks,  and  stores.  This  was 
owing  to  the  infamous  conduct  of  those  who  brought 
information  to  Lieut.  Chauncey,  that  the  battle  was 
lost ;  and  that,  to  prevent  the  stores  from  falling  into 
the  enemy's  hands,  they  must  be  destroyed.  The  ene- 
my's force  consisted  of  1000  picked  men,  led  by  Sir 
Gfcorge  Prevost,  in  person  ;  their  fleet  consisted  of  the 
new  ship  Wolf,  the  Koyal  George,  Prince  Regent, 
Earl  Moira,  2  armed  schooners,  and  their  gun  and  other 
boats.  Of  the  officers  who  distinguished  themselves,  I 
cannot  but  repeat  the  name  of  Lieut.  Col,  Backus,  who, 
praised  be  God !  yet  lives.  Captain  M'Nitt'a  conduct 
was  noble ;  he  well  deserves  to  be  placed  in  the  regu- 
lar army.    Major  Swan,  of  the  army,  served  as  my 


103 

Adjutant-General,  and  was  highly  useful.  Lieutenant 
Chauncey  is  a  brave  and  honorable  man  ;  to  him  no 
blame  can  attach,  for  what  happened  at  Navy-point  • 
he  was  deceived.  Lieut  Col.  Tuttle  was  in  tnarch  for 
this  post ;  but,  with  every  exertiou,  was  unable  to  reach 
it,  HI  tnne  to  take  part  in  the  action ;  this  is  felt,  by  the 
Colonel,  and  every  officer  of  his  detachment,  as  a  mis- 
fortune. At  the  moment  I  am  closing  this  communi- 
cation, Commodore  Chauncey  has  arrived  with  his 
squadron ;  this  renders  my  longer  stay  here  unnecessa- 
ry ;  I  shall,  therefore,  immediately  return  to  my  home. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

J.  BROWN. 

Our  loss,  in  the  above  action  was  154,  killed,  wound- 
ed and  missing.  The  enemy's  loss,  according  to  his 
own  account,  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  150. 


'.^\ 


ROYAL  PROPERTY  CAPTURED. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Com.  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U-  S.  S.  Madison,  Backet's  Harbor,  4tb  Jnne,  1813. 
SIR— -1  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you,  by  the 
hands  of  Lieut.  Dudley,  the  British  standard,  taken  at 
York,  on  the  27th  of  April  last,  accompanied  by  the 
mace,  over  which  was  hung  a  human  scalp  !  These  ar- 
ticles were  taken  from  the  Parliament-house,  by  one  of 
my  officers,  and  presented  to  me.  The  scalp  I  caused 
to  be  presented  to  General  Dearborn,  who,  I  believe, 
still  has  it  in  his  possession.  I  also  send,  by  the  same 
gentleman,  one  of  the  British  flags,  taken  at  fort 
George,  on  the  27th  of  May. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
„    „,  ,  ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  of  the  Navy. 


NOTE  BV  THE  PUBLISHER.  ^ 

About  this  time  we  lost  the  armed  schooners  Growl- 
er and  Eagle,  on  Lake  Champlaift 


IfiM 


I.  .\A  m     (. 


HP 


104 
GENs.  CHANDLER  AND  WINDER  TAKEN. 

r 

&(^^  of  a  Utter  from  Maj.  Qeneral  Henry  Dearborn,  to  the  Seertf 

taryofWar,  dated 

Hsad-Quarters,  Fort  George,  June  Gth,  1813. 
SIR — I  have  received  an  express  from  the  head  of 
^he  lake,  this  evening,  with  intelligence  that  our  troops, 
commanded  by  Brig.  Gen.  Chandler,  were  attacked,  at 
2  o'clock  this  morning,  by  the  whole  of  the  British  and 
Indian  forces — and  by  some  fatality  ;  (though  our  loss 
did  not  exceed  30,)  and  the  enemy  completely  routed, 
and  driven  from  the  field — both  Generals  Chandler 
and  Winder,  were  taken  prisoners .  they  had  advan- 
ced to  ascertain  the  situation  of  a  company  of  artillery, 
when  the  attack  commenced.  General  Vincent  is  re- 
ported to  be  among  the  killed  of  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Clark  was  mortally  wounded,  and  fell  into  our  handsi, 
with  60  prisoners  of  the  49th  British  regiment.  The 
whole  loss  of  the  enemy  is  250 ;  they  sent  in  a  flag, 
with  a  request  to  bury  their  otail.  Gen  Lewis,  accom- 
panied by  Gen.  Boyd,  goes  on  to  take  the  command  of 
the  advanced  troops. 
'  I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

H.  DEARBORN. 
Hon.  Gen.  J.  Armstrong. 


M 


HONOR  TO  THE  BRAVE. 

Q'opy  of  a  letter  from  Major-Oeneral  Henry  Dearborn,  to  the  Secrela- 

ry  of  War,  dated 

Head-Quarters,  June  Qth,  1813, 
SIR— I  hasten  to  state  to  you,  that  the  whole  of  our 
officers  and  men  discovered,  in  the  action  of  the  27th 
ult.  that  readiness  and  ardor  for  action,  which  evinced 
a  determination  to  do  honor  to  themselves,  and  their 
country.  The  animating  examples,  :et  by  Gen.  Boyd 
and  Col.  Scott,  deserve  particular  mention.  I  am  great 
ly  indebted  to  Col.  Porter,  of  the  light  artillery ;  to 


105 

MitfOFArmislead,  of  theMregt  artillery;  and  to  Lieut 
Tptten,  of  the  engin^r  ^rps.  for  their  judicious  and 
Sllr  Th^ffl  demolishing  the  eneiy's  fort  and 
batteries.  The  officers  of  the  artilleiy,  who  had  the 
direction  of  the  guns,  generally,  are  very  deservinir. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong, 
«!^ZlT' iPi!^^  **'"''?  ^"^"^"^  ^««  '^'  «n  k>"ed  and 


DEARBORN. 


FURTHER,  OF  CHANDLER  AND  WINDER. 

Ofyefalttttr  from  My.  Om.  Lewis,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Med 

Niagara,  June  14, 1813. 
SJR—You  will  perceive,  by  the  enclosed  copy  of  op- 
ders,  marked  I.  that  Gen.  Dearborn,  from  indisposition, 
has  resigned  bis  command,  not  only  of  the  Niagara  army, 
but  of  the  district.  I  have  doubts  whether  he  will  ever 
again,  be  fit  for  service.  He  has  been  repeatedly  in  a 
state  of  convalescence,  but  relapses  on  the  least  amtation 
otmmd.  ^ 

In  my  last,  I  mentioned  the  unfortunate  circumstancea 
of  the  capture  of  our  two  Brigadiers,  Chandler  and  Wind- 
er; the  particulars  are  detailed  in  the  report  of  CoL  Bum, 
which  he  gives  from  the  best  information  he  could  collect: 
bis  corp  lay  a  considerable  distance  from  the  scene  of  ac- 
tive operation,  as  you  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  dia- 
gram, which  is  on  a  scale  of  100  yards  to  the  inch.  Th# 
fight  corps,  spoken  of,  were  Captains  Hindman's,  Biddle's, 
and  Nicholas'  companies,  of  the  2d  artillery,  serving  as 
mfantry.  Theso  three  gentlemen,  and  Capts.  Archer  and 
Towson,  of  the  same  regiment,  and  Leonard  of  the  light 
artillery,  are  soldiers,  who  would  honor  any  service;  their 
gallantry,  and  that  of  their  companions,  was  equally  con- 
spicuous, on  this  occasion,  as  in  the  affair  of  the  27th  ult 
A  view  of  Gen.  Chandler's  encampment  wHl  be  tufi^ieni  to 

O 


106 


^ 


I  ■ 


«! 


1   i^'f 


if^'Vt 


show,  that  his  'disaster  was  owing  to  its  arrangement — jte 
centre  being  its  weakest  point,  and  that  being  discovered 
by  the  enemy,  in  the  evening,  received  the  combined  at- 
tack of  his  whole  force,  and  his  line  was  completely  cat. 
The  gallantry  of  the  5th,  25th,  and  part  of  the  23d,  and 
light  troops,  saved  the  army.  Of  the  5th,  it  is  said,  that, 
vvhen  the  day  broke,  not  a  man  was  missing ;  and,  that  a 
part  of  the  23d,  under  Major  Armstrong,  was  found  sus- 
taining its  left  flank  j  their  fire  was  irresistible,  and  the  ene- 
my was  compelled  to  give  way.  Could  he  have  been 
pressed  the  next  morning,  his  destruction  was  inevitable ; 
he  was  dispersed  in  every  direction ;  and  even  his  com- 
manding general  was  missing,  without  his  hat  or  horse. 
I  under&tand  he  was  found  the  next  morning,  at  a  distance 
of  four  miles  from  the  scene  of  action. 

Lieut.  M'Chesney's  gallantry  recovered  a  piece  of  at- 
tillery,  and  prevented  the  capture  of  others ; — ^he  merits 
promotion  for  it. 

On  the  evening  of  the  6th  of  June,  I  received  the  order, 
No.  4,  and  joined  the  army  at  5  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
7  th.  I  found  it  at  the  Forty  Mile  Creek,  10  miles  in  the 
rear  of  the  ground  on  which  it  had  been  attacked,  encamp- 
ed on  a  plam,  of  about  a  mile  in  width,  with  its  right  flank 
on  the  lak^,  and  its  left  on  a  creek,  which  skirts  a  perpen- 
dicular mountain,  of  a  considerable  heighth. — On  my 
route,  I  received  Nos.  5  and  6,  enclosed. 

At  6  in  the  evening,  the  hostile  fleet  hove  in  sight, 
though  its  character  could  not  be  ascertained  with  pre- 
cision. We  lay  on  our  arms  all  night — at  dawn  of  day, 
struck  our  tents,  and  descried  the  hostile  squadron  abreast 
of  us,  about  a  mile  from  the  shore.  Our  boats,  which 
transported  the  principal  part  of  our  baggage,  and  camp 
equipage,  lay  on  the  bea'ch— it  was  a  dead  calm ;  and, 
about  6,  the  enemy  towed  in  a  large  schooner,  which  open- 
ed her  fire  on  our  boats.  As  soon  as  she  stood  for  the 
shore,  her  object  being  evident,  I  ordered  down  Archer's 
and  Towson's  companies,  with  four  pieces  of  artillery,  to 
resist  her  attempts  j  I,  at  the  same  time,  sent  Capt.  Tot- 
ten,  of  the  engineers,  (a  most  valuable  officer,)  to  con- 
struct  a  temporary  fiirnace,  for  heating  shot ;  which  was 


MtWk.... 


107 

prepared,  and  in  operation,  in  less  than  30  minutes.  Hei- 
fire  was  returned  with  a  vivacity  and  effect,  (excelled  by 
JIG  artillery  in  the  universe,)  which  soon  compelled  her  to 
retire. 

A  party  of  savages  now  made  their  appearance,  on  the 
hrow  of  the  mountam,  (which,  being  perfectly  bald,  exhi- 
bited them  to  our  view,)  and  commenced  a  fire  on  our 
camp.  I  ordered  Col.  Christie  to  dislodge  them,  who  en- 
tered on  the  service  with  alacrity— but  found  himself  an- 
ticipated by  Lieut.  Eldridge,  the  adjutant  of  his  regiment, 
who,  wUh  a  promptness  and  gallantry  highly  honorable 
to  that  young  officer,  had  already  gained  the  summit  of 
the  mountain,  with  a  party  of  volunteers,  and  routed  the 
barbarian  allies  of  the  defender  of  the  Christian  faith  ;— ■ 
this  young  man  merits  the  notice  of  government. 

These  little  affairs  cost  us  not  a  man.  Sir  James  L. 
Yeo,  being  disappointed  of  a  tragedy,  next  determined,  in 
true  dramatic  style,  to  amuse  us  with  a  farce: — an  officer, 
with  a  flag,  was  sent  to  me,  from  his  ship,  advising  me, 
that,  as  I  was  invested  with  savages  in  iwj-  rear,  a  fleet  in 
my  front,  and  a  powerful  army  on  my  flank  ;  he,  and  the 
officers  commanding  his  Britannic  majesty's  land  forces, 
thought  it  their  duty  to  demand  a  surrender  of  my  army' 
I  answered,  that  the  message  was  too  ridiculous  to  merit 
a  reply. 

No.  7  was  delivered  to  me,  at  about  6,  this  morning. 

Between  7  and  8  o'clock,  the  four  waggons  We  had,  be- 
ing loaded  first  with  the  sick,  and  next  with  ammunition, 
&c.  the  residue  of  camp  equipage  and  baggage  was  put  in 
the  boats,  and  a  detacnment  of  200  men,  of  the  6th  regi- 
ment, detailed  to  proceed  in  them.  Orders  were  prepar- 
ed, to  be  given  them,  to  defend  the  boats ;  and,  if  assailed 
by  any  of  the  enemj^'s  small  vessels,  to  carry  them  by 
boarding ;  by  some  irregularity,  which,  I  have  not  been 
able  to  discover,  the  boats  put  off  without  the  detach- 
ments, induced,  probably,  by  the  stillness  of  the  morning. 
When  they  had  progressed  about  three  miles,  a  breeze 
sprung  up,  and  an  armed  schooner  overhauled  them  :■— 
those  who  were  enterprizing,  kept  on,  and  escaped;  others 
ran  to  the  shore,  and  deserted  their  boats — we  lost  12  ot 


£\.. 


■mt^M,-  iSlfc 


108 

&e  number,  prmcipally  ecmtaining  the  baggage  of  the  ofii< 
cere  and  men. 

At  10, 1  put  our  army  in  motion,  on  our  return  to  this 
place;  the  savages,  and  incorporated  militia,  hung  on  our 
flanks  and  rear,  throughout  the  march,  and  picked  up  a 
few  stragglers.  On  our  retiring,  the  British  army  ad- 
vanced, and  now  occupies  the  ground  we  left. 

The  enemy's  fleet  is  constantly  hovering  on  our  coast, 
and  interrupting  our  supplies.  The  ni^t  before  last, 
having  been  advised  that  thoy  had  chased  into  Eighteen 
Mile  Creek,  two  vessels  laden  with  hospital  stores,  &c.  I 
detached,  at  midnight,  75  men,  for  their  protection.  The 
report  of  the  day  is,  though  not  ofiicial,  that  they  arrived 
ioolate  for  their  purpose,  and  that  the  stores  are  lost 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

MORGAN  LEWIS. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong, 


trUMBER  S—Rrftrred  to  in  tJu  REPORT  of  GEN.  LSWIS'-mx. 

Niagara,  June  6, 1813. 
DEAR  GENERAL— A  ship  havii^  appeared  this 
monung,  steering  towards  the  head  of  me  lake,  which  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  the  enemy's  ships  j  and,  as  others  are 
appearing,  you  will  please  to  return  with  the  troops,  to 
this  place,  as  soon  as  possible. 

Yours,  with  esteem, 

H.  DEARBORN. 

P.  S.  The  object  of  the  enemy's  fleet  must  be,  cither 
to  cover  the  retreat  of  their  troops,  or  to  bring  on  a  rein- 
forcement. J{,  j)^ 

Mqj.  Gen.  Lewis. 

In  the  action  of  the  6th  of  June,  at  Stoncy  Creek,  there 

was  17  killed,  38  wounded,  and  50  missjog making  a 

total  of  105,  killed  wounded,  and  missing. 


I 


DEARBORN. 


109 
UTILITY  OF  THE  GUN-BOATS. 

I  C(!R)r  ^fl  Mter  Jrcm  Commodort  John  Cassin,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
I  •*▼  «py»  dated  ^ 

d  with  the  flotilla,  under  his  commaiKt  consistinff  of  15 
^-boats,  m  two  divisions— Lieut.  J.  M.  Gardner,  Ist  di- 
Usion,  and  Lieut.  Robert  Henley,  the  2d,  manned  from 
thefngate;  and  50  musqueteers,  which  General  Taylor 
onlered  from  Craney  Isfand-and  proceeded  down  the 
nver ;  but  adverse  winds,  and  squalls,  prevented  his  ap- 
proaching  the  enemy,  until  Sunday  morning,  at  4,  P  ]ff 
when  the  flotilla  commenced  a  heavy,  gaBinff  fire  in  a 

hn^te,  at  about  three-fourths  of  a  m'ile  ^distance,  layin^ 
well  up  the  roads-two  other  frigates  lying  in  sight.  JU 
half  past  4,  a  breeze  sprung  up,  /?om  E.  N  E,  which  ena- 

Ibled  the  two  frigates  to  get  under  way,  one  a  razee,  or 

Kttn''^frif"1  *^^  ""^^^^  ^  ^">*^'  *°  *^°°^«  nearer 
r  1  r'ff  3?*  IT' '"  ^«n«eq»ence  of  their  approach, 
hauled  off,  though  keeping  up  a  well  directed  fire  on  the 
mee  and  other  ship,  which  gave  us  several  broadsides. 
IThe  fngate,  first  engaged,  (supposed  to  be  the  Junon,) 
Iwas  certainly  very  severehr  hancffed ;  had  the  calm  con- 
I  mued,  one  half  hour,  that  fSrigate  must  have  fallen  into  our 
Ihands,  or  been  destroyed :  she  must  have  slipped  her 
noonng,  so  as  to  drop  nearer  the  razee,  who  haU  all  her 
y 8  set,  coming  up  to  her,  with  Ihe  other  frigate ;  the 
bdion  contmue3  one  hour  and  a  half,  with  the  three  ships 
iShorUy  after  the  action,  the  razee  got  along  side  of  tVe 
fchip,  and  had  her  upon  a  deep  careen,  in  a  little  time,  with 
bnumber  of  boats  and  stages  around  her;  I  am  satisfied 
f  hat  much  damage  was  done  to  her ;  for  she  was  silenced 
borne  tune,  until  the  razee  opned  her  fire,  when  she  com- 
fenced  again.    Our  loss  is  very  trifling:  Mr.  Allison 
Nter's  mate,  on  board  No.  139,  was  k|ed  early  n  the' 
Uon,  by  an  181b.  ball,  which  passed  through  hVa„d 
lodged  m  the  mast.    No.  154,  fad  a  shot  betweerwl^d 
fcffld  water.    No.  87,  had  her  Franklin  s? ,  ^  rway;  and 
«veral  ot  thetn  had  some  of  their  sweeps,  aa  ivell  as  their 


^\l 


,'  -"I 


# 


*l 


,m-m 


r 


110 

stantions  shot  away;  but  two  men  slightly  injured,  by  thei 
splinters,  from  the  sweeps.     On  the  flood  tide,  sevej 
ships  of  the  line,  and  frigates,  came  into  the  roads,  and  J 
expected  an  attack  last  night.  There  is  now  in  the  RoadJ 
13  ships  of  the  line  and  frigates,  one  brig,  and  severj 
tenders.     I  cannot  say  too  much  for  the  officers  and  cw  J 
on  tb's  occasion ;  for  every  man  appeared  to  go  into  ao 
tion  with  so  much  cheerfulness,  apparently,  to  do  their  4 
tjr,  resolved  to  conquer.     I  had  a  better  opportunity  I 
discovering  their  actions,  than  any  one  else,  being  in  ml 
boat  the  whole  of  the  action. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

-      ^     ,,  JOHNCASSIN. 

Hon  Sec.  N4ivy^ 

Thirty  prisoners,  who  were  taken  2  days  after  «, 
above  action,  and  who  were  separately  examined,  staj 
that  the  loss  on  board  the  Junon,  in  killed  and  woundet 
was  about  60— her  Captain  killed ;  and  that  the  Juna 
received  between  70  and  100  shots  in  her  hull. 


THE  CHESAPEAKE  TAKEN, 

Copif  of  a  Utter  from  Lieut.  Btidd,  to  the  Secretaryof  the  Navy, 
cm     rru        -  ,     Halifax,  Jum,  15, 1813. 

J  1^""  *  unfortunate  death  of  Capt.  James  Lawrency 
and  Lieut  Augustus  C.  Ludlow,  has  rendered  it  my  M 
to  inform  you  of  the  capture  of  the  late  U.  States  friffatJ 
Chesapeake.  * " 

On  Tuesday,  June  1st,  at  8,  A.  M.  we  unmoored  sliipi 
and  at  meridian  got  underway,  from  President  Roaf 
with  a  light  wind  from  the  southward  and  westward,  aoi 
proceeded  on  a  crnise.  A  ship  was  then  in  sight,  in  tlie 
offing,  which  had  the  appearance  of  a  ship  of  war;  aa' 
which,  irom  information  received  from  pilots,  we  believMi 
to  be  the  British  frigate  Shannon.  We  made  sail  in  chasj 
and  cleared  ship  fbr  action.    At  half  past  4,  P.  M.  shJ 

.  ?  J?°i:.r**^^^.''  ^^^^  ^«  *b«  southward  and  eastward-! 
at  5,  P.  M.  took  jn  the  royal  and  top-gallant  sails ;  and  ail 


Iwounc 
■the  lo! 
JCapta 
la  Midi 

Th( 
Ian  offi 
apart 
I 

Hoi 
Kijthis 


JOHN  CASSIN. 


ecretarjf,  of  the  Navy,  ( 
iXyJuWy  15,1813. 


Ill 

Ihalf  past  5,  hauled  the  courses  up.     About  15  minutes 
jbefore  6,  the  action  commenced,  within  pistol-shot.     The 
Ifirst  broadside  did  great  execution  on  both  sides ;  damaged 
lour  rigging;  killed,  among  others,  Mr.  White,  the  sail- 
lingr-master  J  and  wounded  Capt.  Lawrence.     In  about  12 
■minutes,  after  the  commencement  of  the  action,  we  fell  on 
■board  the  enemy;  and  immediatelj  after,  one  of  our  arm- 
«d  chests,  on  the  auarter-deck,  was  blown  up,  by  a  hand 
grenade,  thrown  from  the  enemy's  ship.    In  a  few  min- 
utes, one  of  the  Captain's  aids  came  on  the  gun-deck,  to 
inform  me  that  the  boarders  were  called.    I  immediately 
■called  the  boarders  away,  and  broceeded  to  the  spar-deck, 
where  1  found  that  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in  boarding 
us,  and  had  gamed  possession  of  our  quarter-deck.     I  im- 
mediately gave  orders  to  haul  on  board  the  fore-tack,  for 
■the  purpose  of  shorting  the  ship  clear  of  the  other,  and 
■then  made  an  attempt  to  regain  the  quarter-deck,  but  was 
■wounded,  and  thrown  down  on  the  girt-deck.    I  again 
nade  an  effort  to  collect  the  boarders;  but,  in  the  mian- 
Rime,  the  enemy  had  gained  complete  possession  of  the 
bhip.    On  my  being  carried  down  to  the  cock-pit,  I  there 
Ifound  Capt.  Lawrence,  and   Lieut.   Ludlow,  mortally 
■wounded ;  the  former  had  been  carried  below,  previously 
■to  the  ships  being  boarded— the  latter  was  wounded  ia 
■attempting  to  repel  the  boarders.    Among  those  who  felL 
■early  m  the  action,  was  Mr.  Ed.  J.  Ballard,  4th  Lieuten- 
■ant,  and  Lieut.  James  Broome,  of  Marines.    I  herein  en- 
■close,  to  you,  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded;  by 
Iwhichyou  will  perceive,  that  every  officer,  upon  whom 
Ithe  charge  of  the  ship  would  devolve,  was  either  killed  or 
wounded,  previously  to  her  capture.     The  enemy  report 
Nie  loss  of  Mr  Watt,  their  1st  Lieutenant,  the  Purser,  the 
Captain  s  Clerk,  and  23  seamen,  killed;  Captain  Broke, 
a  Midshipman,  and  56  seamen  wounded. 

The  Shannon  had,  in  addition  to  her  full  complement 
an  officer,  and  16  men,  belonging  to  the  Belle  Poule,  and 
I  a  part  ot  the  crew  belonging  to  the  Tenedos. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  GEO.  BUDD. 

Hon.  TV.  Jones.  Sec.  Navy. 
[hi  this  action,  we  had  49  killed— 97  wounded— total  146. 


■'»  *1 


'  ' '    .'  ■■<  '■ 


] 


\ 


*^^  *:/,(. 


m''  ii 


AFFAIR  ON  LAKE  ONTARIO. 

f^<^o/  a  Utter  from  Lieut.  Chauneejf,  to  Commodore  Chaunety. 
SackeVs  Harbor,  16th  JutUy  1Q13. 
SIR — According  to  your  orders  of  the  14th  inst.  I  pro- 
ceeded  off  Presque-Isle,  in  the  schooner  "  Lady  of  M 
Lake."    On  the  morning  of  the  1 6th,  fell  in  with,  and  cap.! 
lured  the  English  schooner,  Lady  Murray,  from  KingstonJ 
bound  to  York  with  provisions  and  ammunition.  Endosei 
is  a  list  of  1  Ensign,  15  non-commissioned  officers,  an]| 
privates,  found  on  board,  with  6  men,  attached  to  thtl 
vessel. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

WOLCOTT  CHAUNCEY. 
The  prize  is  valued  at  20,000  dollars. 


COL.  BOERSTLER's  SURRENDER. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Henry  Dearborn,  to  the  SecretanA 

War,  dated  ^? 

Head-Quarters,  Fort  George,  June  25,  1813, 
SIR — ^I  have  the  mortification  of  inK>rming  you  of  aol 
unfortunate  and  unaccountable  event,  which  occurred  jesJ 
terday.     On  the  23d.  at  evening,  Lieut.  Col.  BoerstlerJ 
with  570  men,  (Infantry,  artillery,  cavalry,  and  riflemen,! 
in  due  proportion,)  was  ordered  to  march,  by  wayil 
Queenstown,  to  a  place  called  the  Beaver-Dama»  on  th«| 
high  ground,  about  8  or  9  miles  from  Queenstown,  to  atl 
tack  and  disperse  a  body  of  the  enemy,  collected  therefor! 
the  purpose  of  procuring  provisions,  and  harassing  those 
inhaoitants  who  are  considered  friendly  to  the  U.  State  J 
Their  force  was,  from  the  most  direct  information,  com- 
posed of  one  company  of  the  104th  regiment,  above  80, 
strong;  from  150  to  200  militia,  and  from  50  to  60 In- 
dians.    At  8  o'clock  yesterday  morning,  when  within 
about  two  miles  of  the  Beaver-Dams,  our  detachment  wat 
attacked  from  an  ambuscade,  but  soon  drove  the  enemj 
some  distance  into  the  woods,  and  then  retired  to  a  clear 
field,  and  sent  an  express  for  a  reinforcement ;  saying,  he| 


h{i 


113 

"'""J'ir.frm*'"  his  position,  until  reinforced.  A  reinforces 
Tinrro.TK  ""TY  '^mediately,  under  the  com- 
mandofCo.  Christie;  but,  on  arriving  at  Queenstown 
Co    Chrysfe  received  authentic  inform^ationTthat  lieut 
ColBoerstler,  with  his  command,  had  surrendered  to  the 
enemy,  and  the  remforcement  returned  to  c^mp.     A  man, 
who  belonged  to  a  small  corps  of  mounted  volunteer  rifle- 
men, came  m  this  morning,  who  states,  that^  the  enemv 
surrounded  our  detachment  in  the  woods;  and,  toward^ 
2  0  clock,  commenced  a  general  attack ;  that  our  troops 
fought  more  than  two  hours,  until  the  artillery  had  ex- 
pended all  Its  ammunition,  and  then  surrendered ;  and, 
at  the  time  of  the  surrender,  the  informant  made  his  escape 
Why  it  should  have  been  deemed  proper  to  remain,  se- 
veral  hours  m  a  position  surrounded  with  woods,  without 
either  risking  a  decisive  action,  or  effecting  a  retreat,  re- 
mains  to  be  accounted  for,  as  well  as  the  project  of  wait- 
ine  for  a  reinforcement,  from  a  distance  of  15  miles.    No 
information  has  been  received  of  the  killed  or  wounded. 
Ihe  enemy  s  fleet  has  agam  arrived  in  our  neighborhood; 
1  am,  &c. 

TT      r   >«  H.DEARBORN. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War. 


CAPTURE  OF  A  BRITISH  TENDER. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Com.  Lewis,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated 

r?!.    r'.-  ri  "'®  pleasure  to  inform  you  of  the  capture 
of  the  British  sloop  tender,  (Eagle)  which,  for  some  time, 
had  been  employed  by  Com.  Beresford,  for  the  purpose 
ot  burning  the  coasters,  &c.     Her  force  was  2  officers 
and  11  seamen,  with  a  32  brass  howitzer.  ' 

This  service  was  performed,  in  a  most  gallant  and  offi- 
cer like  manner,  by  sailing-master  Percival,  who,  with  vo- 
lunteers from  the  flotilla,  which  I  have  the  honor  to  com- 
mand, jumped  on  board  a  fishing-smack,  ran  the  enemy 
along  side,  and  carried  him  by  a  coup-de-main.  I  am  so/- 
J^y  to  add,  that,  m  this  little  affair,  the  enemy  lost  ihfi.  com- 

P 


TH 

manJing  officer,  one  Midshipman,  mortally  wounded,  and 
two  seamen  badly.  I  am  happy  to  say  we  suffered  no  in- 
jury,  which  is  to  bo  attributed  to  the  superior  manage- 
ment of  sailing-master  Percival,  and  the  coolness  with 
which  his  men  tired  ;  for  which  they  all  deserve  well  of 
their  country. 

J.  LEWIS,  Com.  U.  -8.  Flotilla. 
Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 


r'rT  ' 


•I  f 


!        i\\ 


m 


ESCAPE  OF  MAJOR  CHAPIN. 

C<tpi/  of  a  letter  from  Major  CAopin  to  Gen.  Deetrborti,  dated 

Fort  George,  July  13,  1813. 

SIR — I  have  Just  returned  from  my  confinemtat  in  Ca- 
nada, without  parole.  Our  return  happened  in  the  follow- 
ing manner : — I  received  orders  at  Burlington  Heights,  on 
Monday  morning,  to  go  to  Kingston ;  we  set  off  accord- 
ingly, under  the  care  of  1 6  men ;  I  had,  with  me,  28  men. 
We  all  went  on,  very  quietly,  till  4  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon ;  at  which  time,  I  gave  a  signal  to  attack  the  guard, 
which  were  stationed  in  the  following  order  ;  a  sergeant, 
and  one  man,  in  the  boat  with  my  men  ;  a  Lieutenant,  and 
1 3  men,  in  the  boat  with  me  and  two  officers.  At  the 
signal,  my  men  ran  along  side  of  the  boat  I  was  in;  Lieut. 
Showers  ordered  them  to  fall  astern — I  ordered  them  on 
board ;  at  which  time  the  officer  attempted  to  draw  hij 
sword :  1  seized  him  by  the  neck,  and  threw  him  on  his 
back  ;  two  of  his  men  drew  their  bayonets  upon  me  :  I  im- 
mediately seized  both  bayonets,  at  the  same  instant,  and 
threw  them  on  top  of  the  officer — and  kept  all  down  to- 
getber  ;  at  the  same  moment,  my  men  seized  the  guard, 
and  wrested  from  them  their  arms.  We  then,  having 
possession  of  the  arms,  changed  our  course,  and  arrived 
here  this  morning,  all  safe.  We  have  brought  two  boats 
with  us. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

CYRENUS  CHAPIN. 

Maj.  Gen,  Dearborn. 


I.  Dearborn,  dated 


119 

A  PARTY  OF  THE  ENEMY  CAPTURED. 

Extract  of  a  Idler  from  Commodore  Cassia,  to  the  Secrrtaru  of  thi 

Navy,  dated  '' 

^,     „,     ,  Norfolk,  ra.  Julju  15.  18U. 

The  Plantagenot,  74,  has  been  lying  ofFthe  ho-ht-housc 
some  tune;  they  dug  wells  on  shore,  and  every  day  em- 
I  ployed  their  boats  in  watering.     Capt.  Lawson,  command- 
I  mg  a  company  of  militia,  from  Princess-Ann,  went  down, 
under  cover  of  the  night,  and  concealed  themselves  be- 
hind a  sand-hdl,  near  the  wells  .     At  half  past  5,  P.  M.  a 
boat,  full  of  men,  were  discovered  rowing  for  the  shares 
I  at  6,  they  landed,  and  proceeded  to  the  wells,  where  they 
I  received  a  full  lire  from  the  militia,  which  compelled  them 
to  surrender.     The  enemy's  force  consisted  of  2  Lieuts. 
'  16  seamen,  and  0  marines.      They  had  3  marines  killed  ; 
1  Lieut,  and  2  seamen  wounded,  and  2  marines.     None 
of  our  men  were  hurt ;  the  barge  was  destroyed,  after 
!  taking  her  guns,  and  some  small  arms. 
I  have  die  honor,  &c. 

J.  CASSIN. 
Hon.  Sec.  Navy. 


NUS  CHAPIN. 


PROCEEDINGS  ON  LAKE  (JNTARIO. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Major-Qeneral  Lewis,  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

SackeCs  Harbor,  July  20, 1813. 
Our  fleet  has  gone  out  of  the  inner  harbor,  and  appear- 
ances are  in  favor  of  its  going  to  sea,  in  48  hours,  at  far- 
thest.— A  little  expedition,  of  volunteers  from  the  coun- 
try, to  which,  by  the  advice  of  Commodore  Chauncey,  I 
lent  40  soldiers,  sailed  from  hence  three  days  since,  on 
board  of  two  small  row-boats,  with  a  6  pounder,  each,  to 
the  head  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  where  they  captured  a  fine 
gun-boat,  mounting  a  24  pounder;  14  batteaux, loaded; 
4  officers,  and  61  men.     Two  of  our  schooners  have  gone 


%\ 


116 

out,  to  convojr  them  in  ;  the  prisoners  have  been  landed, 
and  are  coming  on,  under  charge  of  a  dctachtnvut  q( 
dragoons. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

M.  LEWIS. 


i. 


i 


r,    ,, 


FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS. 

*^«Ry  0/^  a  /f«<T  /r<wi  Commodore  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  tht 

Nam/,  dated 

V.  8.  S.  Gen.  Pike,  at  anchor,  off  Niagara,  Aub;.  4, 1813. 
SIR — After  leaving  Sacket's  Harbor,  I  stretched  over 
for  the  enemy's  shore,  and  from  thence  stood  up  the  lake. 
The  winds  being  light,  I  did  not  arrive  oflf  this  port  until 
the  evening  of  the  27th  ult.  On  the  24th,  I  fell  in  with 
the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  on  her  return  to  Sacket's  Harbor, 
■with  prisoners,  from  fort  George.  I  transferred  the  pri- 
soners  to  tbe  Raven,  and  ordered  her  to  Sacket's  Harbor; 
the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  I  dispatched  to  fort  George  for 
guides,  for  the  head  of  the  lake.  Gen.  Boyd  having  in- 
formed  me,  that  the  enemy  hhd  a  considerable  deposit  of 
provisions  and  stores  at  Burlington  Bay,  I  was  determin- 
ed to  attempt  their  destruction.  On  the  25th,  I  was  join. 
ed  by  the  Pert,  and  on  the  27th,  by  the  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
with  guides,  and  Capt.  Crane's  company  of  artillery,  and 
Col.  Scott,  who  had  very  handsomely  volunteered  for  the 
service.  After  conversing  with  Col.  Scott  on  the  subject, 
it  was  thought  advisable  to  take  on  board  250  infantr}-- 
which  were  embarked  by  6  o'clock  next  morning,  and  the 
fleet  immediately  procoeded  for  the  head  of  the  lake  ;  but, 
owing  to  light  winds,  and  calms,  we  did  not  arrive  to  an 
anchorage  before  the  evening  of  the  29th.  We  sent  two 
parties  on  shore,  and  surprized  and  took  some  ^'  '  Jnla- 
bitants;  from  whom  we  Itarned,  that  the  en    \  e- 

ceived  considerable  reinforcements,  within  i  :  jr  i,so; 
and  that  his  force,  in  regulars,  was  from  600  10*^800  men. 
We,  however,  landed  the  troops  and  marines,  and  some 
sailors,  next  morning,  and  reconnoitered  the  enemy's  posi- 
tjou— -found  him  posted  upon  a  peninsula  of  very  high 


117 

Lrouiid,  slroMKlj-  cnlicncliwl,  nnd  liis  m.,,.  i  r    j   ■  . 
aboNl  «  iiiMcs  of  cannon      In  ,hi     '     ^     ''  ''"'"''W  V 

Ubc.r»,  and  „i,.„„,\Sr7 f'^Vr^^ltr  V'""'^" 
tot.,  no.  havmg  a  snllici™.  nu  „1  Ir  „  c™„"  .l.flt'^'.T 

rine.  and  soldier^  u,  ?.; V^'    '  ''"'•^"■•'  '«'«'o<l  (he  ma- 

fend  provisions,  iu  the  public  store  hm/c^    7        •    "''"^' 
annon,  .leven  boats,  an^d  a  quan  iW  ^  °j 

Uer  stores;  all  which  wnr««^i!^i      *"°*'  snelJs,  and 
K-     On    he  1  ttsta^r  in«   J  "^'k*'"^^^ 
U/d  aJ]  that  the  vSrcoild  tff  JT"^  received^on 
.cks,  and  public  stores  t„b«K      .    '  '  '^'.''^*^^^^  *^«  ^ar- 
H  the  men,  and  arrJ^ed  at  thi     "  '  ""'  ***'"  re-embark- 
rfive  hundred  men  left  Yokf^r  r'^^^Y'     Four 
I  days  before  wrar  fv  d  thte      '^-^--^  of  the  lake, 
faken;  a  part  of  them  werf^V  A^^^^P^^oncrs  were 
[eft  at  fort'oeorie  P^roled-the  others  were 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Hon.  Sec.  Navy.  ''  ^'HAUNCE Y. 

DEFENCE  OF  LOWER  SANDUSKY. 

Cop,  of  a  icucr/ron,  Major  Cro.han,  to  0«..  Harrison,  Mea 

_  DEAR  SIR-I  have  the  hoforf*"^^*  ^"^*'  ^'  '«J3- 
lombined  force  ofSie  enemv  "  i"^'''™  ^°"'  *'^^*  *'»« 

leanl.  c    Za  enemy,  amountinff  to,  at  least  'ifWi 

[ace,  early  on  Sa^rntX'rar::  ""='"''"  't'» 
lenera  had  made  such  d;.3-      V?-   '  ^°  ^°°"  »=  ">«' 

V  off  my  retreat  (should?  h  5'''^''"  5™°P''  ^'  '^»»'«' 
sent  Tol  p.,?'/''"""''  '  be  disposed  to  make  one,1 
=ent  Col.  ElUot,  accompanied  by  Major  Chamrr;! 


m 


t)LW 


I 


118 

with  a  flag,  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fort,  as  he  was 
anxious  to  spare  the  effusion  of  blood ;  which  he  should 
probably  not  have  in  his  power  to  do,  should  he  be  re- 
duced to  the  necessity  of  taking  the  place  by  storm.   My 
answer  to  the  summons  was,  that  I  was  determined  to  de- 
fend  the  place  to  the  last  extremity;  and  that  no  force, 
however  large,  should  induce  me  to  surrender  it.  So  soon 
as  the  flag  had  returned,  a  brisk  fire  was  opened  upon  us, 
from  the  gun-boats,  in  the  river,  and  from  a  five  and  a  half 
inch  howitzer,  on  shore,  which  was  kept  up  v'.ith  little 
intermission,  throughout  the  night.     At  an  early  hour, 
the  next  morning,  three  sixes,  (which  had  been  placed, 
during  the  night,  within  250  yards  of  the  pickets,)  began 
to  play  upon  us — but  with  little  effect.     About  4  o'clock, 
P.  M.  discovering  that  the  fire,  from  all  his  guns,  was  con- 
centrated  against  the  N.  W.  angle  of  the  fort,  I  becam« 
confident  that  his  object  was  to  make  a  breach,  and  atj 
tempt  to  storm  the  works  at  that  point :  I,  therefore,  at- 
dered  out  as  many  men,  as  could  be  employed,  for  t 
purpose  of  strengthening  that  part — whicn  was  so  effe 
tually  secured,  by  means  of  bags  of  flour,  sand,  &c.  tt 
the  picketing  suffered  little  or  no  injury;  notwithstandk 
which,  the  enemy,  about  500,  having  formed  in  close  ci 
lumn,  advanced  to  assault  our  works,  at  the  expecldj 
point ;  at  the  same  time  making  two  feints  on  the  front 
Captain  Hunter's  lines.     The  column,  'which  advanceJ 
against  the  north-western  angle,  consisting  of  about  3 
men,  was  so  completely  enveloped  in  smoke,  as  not  to 
discovered,  until  it  liad  approached  within  18  or  20  m 
of  the  lines ;  but,  the  men  being  all  at  their  posts,  and  rei 
dy  to  receive  it,  commenced  so  heavy  and  galling  a  fir 
as  to  throw  the  column  a  little  into  contusion  ;  beii 
quickly  rallied,  it  advanced  to  the  outworks,  and  began 
leap  into  the  ditch  ;  just  at  that  moment,  a  fire  of  graj 
was  opened,  from  our  6  pounder,  (which  had  been  |)r 
viously  arranged,  so  as  to  rake  in  that  direction,)  whi' 
together  with  the  musquetry,  threw  them  into  such  c 
fusion,  that  they  were  compelled  to  retire,  precipitately 
the  woods. — During  the  assault,  whi(3h  lasted  about  h 
an  hour,  an  incessant  fire  was  kept  up  by  the  enemy's 


laca 


119 

tilled,  and  .even  slLrS;';tl'd"""teS  Z  """ 

Le,.  found  i„°3  alir  helich  Z'!.'^"''  »'""-'' 
(hose  of  the  remainder,  who  were  no,' iff  '"'  "''"'"'''•'' 
llalien  off,  darin<r  the  n Uht  hT.Jf  f  r  ^ '°„*"='»P«' "«« 
of  arms,  ;nd  8e?eS  brfce  ott  f"**;^"'-  .^'"■™'y  «'»nd 
»ar  the  work,.  Abo„,  3  inT  '  "■  '«™  """'cted 
sailed  down  the  riroMearin^ Vh"  TT'"^'  ""^  '"^-nj 
-ng  ^Ching,  an^itSftitt"  toVt""'  ^""^ 
ao„l:„Se™Xr  a'd  ':^*T'^ "^^^^  off,e.„,  ' 

mand,  for  their  gatnL  If """?  ""t-"  ""^  »"■ 
|tkeseige.  g«"»"-y.  and  good  conduct,  during 

Yours,  with  respect,    *c 

G.CROGHAN.Maj.i7thU.S.I„f.com.. 

Governor  Huntington,  in  a  letter  to  the  P  Master  P.n 
«al,  states  the  force  of  Mm*    r      u      "^    ,•  ^*^^ster  Lrene- 
yeomen  !  ^^^'  ^'°»^^»  <«  have  been  but 


INDIAN  DECLARATION  OF  WAR. 

[translation.]  j„i     ,8,3 

WE,  the  Chiefs  and  Councillors  of  the  Six  NafJnn     r 
bdians,  residing  in  the  state  of  New-York  dn  hf^  1     '  *"' 
|a,.,  to  all  th'e  War-Chiefs,  iTwWs    of'IfeT 
ptions,  that  war  is  declarpd  nn  «..«     '^"'ors,  oi  the  Six 

jinces  of  Upper  ^TuTerC^Za^^'^T^^^^  '^'  P^ 
[ereby  command,  and  advJse  all  tt  w!^rl''P  '^"  ^^ 
UUediatei;,thewtXslttK^^^^^ 
t'tlTeT'"*  ^'^'^  "^^^^  -^  libers  tStT 


1      ;       L 

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ri|. ;'  j« 


'Ml-  r-  ^• 


120 
t^APTURE  OF  THE  DOMINICO. 

Sxtrad  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  John  H.  Dent,  commanding  naval  ojitxr 
at  Charleston,  S.  C.  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated 

August  21,  1813. 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  the  privateer 
schooner  Decatur,  of  this  port,  arrived  here  yesterday, 
with  H.  B.  M.  schooner  Dominico,  her  prize.  She  was  I 
captured  on  the  5th  instant,  after  a  most  gallant  action  of 
one  hour,  and  carried  by  boarding,  having  all  her  officers 
killed,  except  one  Midshipman. 

The  Dominico  mounts  15  guns ;  one  a  32  pounder,  on  i 
a  pivot,  and  had  a  complement  of  83  men,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  action,  sixty  of  whom  were  killed  ori 
wounded.  She  was  one  of  the  best  equipped  and  manneii 
vessels,  of  her  class,  I  have  ever  seen.  The  Decatur  I 
mounts  7  guns,  and  had  a  complement  of  103  men,  atttwl 
commencement  of  the  action,  19  of  whom  were  killed  orj 
wounded. 

I  have  the  honor,  &;c. 

JOHN  H.  DENT. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  BOXER. 

Copy  of  a  Utter  from  Lieut.  Ed.  R.  M'Call,  of  the  V.  S.  Brig  Enterpml 
to  Capt.  Isaac  Hull,  dated  ' 

U.  S.  Brig  Enterprise,  Portland  7th  Sept.  1813,1 
SIR — In  consequence  of  the  unfortunate  death  of  Lieulj 
Commandant  William  Burrows,  late  commander  of  thil 
vessel,  it  devolves  on  me  to  acquaint  you  with  the  resii 
of  our  cruise. — On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  weighed  i 
ehor,  and  swept  out,  and  continued  our  course  to  the  easll 
ward.     Having  received  information,  of  several  privateen 
being  oflf  Mannagan,  we  stood  for  that  place ;  and,  on  tin 
following  morning,  in  the  bay  near  Penguin-point,  discoj 
vered  a  orig  gettmg  under  way,  which  appeared  to  be| 
vessel  of  war,  and  to  which  we  immediately  gave  chasej 
she  fired  several  guns,  and  stood  for  us,  having  four  enf 
signs  hoisted.     After  reconnoitering,  and  discovering  hd 


JOHN  H.  DENT. 


121 

force,  and  the  nation  to  which  she  belonged,  we  hauled 
upon  a  wind,  to  stand  out  of  the  bay  •  and  atTnV^»  t 
shortened  sail,  tacked,  and  run  do'/n,'  with  a  i  i.Uemh'n 
to  bring  her  to  close  action.     At  20  ni.  uf  es  ,     ^  i   P 
M.  -hen  within  half  pistol  shot,  til  h"^  cV^  il  J-fd 
from  both ,.  and,  after  beinff  warmly  kept'up,  and  with 
some  manoeuvering,  the  enemy  hailed    an  Uai"d  tLey 
had  surrendered,  about  4,  P.  M.-»heir  col  r    bew 
!  nailed  to  the  masts,  ccMiId  „„t  be  hauUd  d.w-n     S  f 
proved  to  be  his  B.  M.  biiV  Boxer  of  M  .rnn.  i.       -? 
I  Biythe,  Esq.  commander,  Iho^eTl  hf  tltSr paT."o 
te  engagement  having  received  a  cannon  shot  uCi^ 
the  body ;  and,  I  am  sorry  to  add,  that  Lieut.  Bu  ro"vs 
who  had  gallantly  led   us  to  action,  fell,  also,  about 
the  same  time,  by  a  musquet  ball,  which  terminated  h"s 
existence  m  eight  hours.  'txtaieu  ms 

The  Enterprize  suflered  much,  in  spars  and  rig£rin«-  • 
and  the  Boxer  both  in  spars,  rigging,  and  hull  havW 
many  shots  between  wind  and  Sate?.  ^ 

\v  ^k"'?"!^.^®.  ^'^^"^  "ywstice  to  the  merit  of  Mr.  Til- 
hnghast,  2d  Lieutenant,  were  I  not  to  mention  the  able 
assistance  I  received  from  him,  during  the  re.nainder  of 
Ihe  engagement,  by  his  strict  attention  to  his  dwn  di- 
vision,  and  other  departments ;  and  the  officers  and 
crew,  generally  :  I  am  happy  to  add,  their  cool  and  de- 
Jeimined  conduct  have  my  warmest  approbation  and 
apphmse.    As  no  muster-roll,  that  can  be  fully  relied 
on,  has  come  into  my  possession,  f  cannot  exactly  state 
he  number  lulled,  on  board  the  Boxer  ;  but,  from  in! 
formation  received  from  the  officers  of  tliat  vessel  it 
appears  that  there  wore  between  20  and  2.3  killed,  and 
4  wounded.     On  board  the  Enterprize,  there  ^as  1 
Ikilled,  and  1.3  wounded,  among  whom  was  Lieut    Bur- 
lows,  (since  dead.)  and  Midshipman  Waiters,  moHally 
|-5ixty-six  prisoners.  ^' 

I  have  the  honor.  &c. 

t!.,n   TJu  1.^     P^^ARDR.M'CALL,.^.«.(^.,r. 
mav  Hull,  Esq.  Comg.  Naval  OfKcor, 

on  the  Eastern  station. 


\m 


122 


[\  A 


f 


PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

Copt/ of  a  letter  from  Com.  Perry,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navi/t  datd 

V.  S.  Brig  Niagara,  off  the  Western  Sister, 

Head  of  Lake  Erie,  September  lOtb,  1 8 13,  4,  P.  M. 

SIR— It  has  pleased  the  ALMIGHTY  to  give  to 
the  ARMS  OF  THifi  IT.  STATES  a  signal  victory  over  their 
enemies,  on  this  lake. 

'  The  British  Squadron,  consisting  of  TWO  SHIPS, 
TWO  BRIGS,  ONE  SLOOP,  and  ONE  SCHOON- 
ER,  have,  tliis  moment,  surrendered  to  the  force  under 
my  command  after  a  sharp  conflict. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

O.  H.  PERRY. 

Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  of  tlie  Navy. 


f- 


■  ??■ 


FURTHER  ACCOUNT. 

Cdspy  of  a  letter  from  Commodore  Perry,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  A'ary, 

U.  S.  Schr.  Arid,  Pul-in-Bay,  \3th  Sept.  1813. 
SIR — In  my  last,  I  informed  you  that  we  had  cap- 
tured the  enemy's  fleet,  on  this  lake.     I  have  now  the! 
honor  to  give  you  the  most  important  particulars  of  I 
the  action: — On  the  morning  of  the  10th  instant,  all 
sunrise,  they  were  discovered  in  Put-in-Bay,  wheni 
lay  at  anchor,  with  the  squadron  under  my  command 
Wo  got  under  weigh,  the  wind  light  at  S.  W.  and  stood! 
for  them  ; — at  10,  A.  M.  the  wind  hauled  to  S.  E.  andl 
brought  us  to  windward ;  formed  the  line,  and  bore  up,| 
At  15  minutes  before  12,  the  enemy  commenced  firing;! 
at  5  minutes  before  12,  tlie  action  commenced  onourl 
part.     Finding  their  fire  very  destructive,  owing  loj 
their  long  guns,  and  its  being  mostly  directed  at  tkl 
Lawrence,  1  made  sail,  and  directed  the  other  vessels! 
to  follow,  for  the  purpose  of  closing  with  the  enemy-l 
every  brace  and  bow  line  being  soon  shot  away,  she! 
became  unmanageable,  notwithstanding  the  great  exerf 
tions  of  the  sailing-master.     In  this  situation,  she  sus-l 
tained  the  action  upwards  of  two  hours,  within  canistetl 


O.  H.  PERRY. 


123 

distance,  until  every  gun  was  rendered  useless,  and  tbe 
greater  part  of  the  crew  either  killed  or  bounded 
Finding  she  could  no  longer  annoy  the  enem?  I  left 
her  in  charge  ofLieut  Yarnell,  who,  [  was  convinced 
by  the  bravery  already  displayed  by  him,  would  do 
what  would  comport  with  the  honor  of  the  flao-  At 
half  past  2,  the  wind  springing  up.  Captain  Elliot  wts 
enabled  to  bring  ns  vessel,  the  Niagara,  gallantly  i^o 
close  action  ;  1  immediately  went'on  lK)ard  of  er 
when  he  anticipated  my  wish,  by  volunteering  to  br  n'* 
the  schooners,  wlHch  had  been  kept  astern  bylhe  I  ghC 
ness  of  the  wind,  into  close  action.  ^ 

It  was  with  unspeakable  pain  that  I  saw,  soon  after 
Igot  on  board  of  the  Niagara,  the^^^^/^/wrc 
com  down-  although  I  was  perfectly'sensible  tlml  she 
had  been  defended  to  the  last,  and  that  to  have  coX 
nued  to  make  a  show  of  resistance,  would  have  been  a 
wanton  sacrifice  of  the  remains  of  her  brave  crew   But 
theentmy  was  not  able  to  take  possession  of  her,  and 
^crmytancessoon  permWcdUEH  FLAG-  AGAIN  TO 
BL  HOIbTED.     At  45  minutes  past  2,  the  signal  was 
made  for  «  close  action;"  the  Niagara  being  ?erv  lit' 
le  injured,  I  determined  to  pass  through  the  enemy's 
hne-bore  up,  and  passed  ahead  of  thei? two  ships,  and 
a  brig,  giving  a  raking  fire  to  them,  from  the  starboard 
guns,  arid  to  a  large  scliooner,  and  sloop,  from  the  lar- 
board side,  at  half  pistol-shot  distance.     The  smaller 
vessels,  at  this  time,  having  got  within  grape  and  canis- 
Iter  distance,  under  the  direction  of  Capt.  Elliot,  and 
keeping  up  a  well  directed  fire,  the  two  ships  a  bria 
land  a  schooner  surrendered  ;   a  schooner  and  sloo'^I 
Iniaking  a  vain  attempt  to  escape.  ' 

I  Those  officers  and  men,  who  were  immediately  un- 
Ider  my  observation,  evinced  the  greatest  gallantry  • 
land,  I  have  no  doubt  but  all  others  conducted  Ihem- 
Iselves  as  became  American  officers  and  seamen.  Lieut 
I  Yarnell,  1st  of  the  Lawrence,  although  severaj  times 
fvounded,  refused  to  quit  the  deck.  Midshipman  For- 
lest,  (doing  duty  as  Lieutenant,)  and  sailing-master 
paylor,  were  of  great  assistance  to  me.    I  have  o-reut 


I 


H' 


A 


MX 


l<   t 


124 

pain,  in  staling  lo  you  the  deatli  of  Lieut.  Brook,  of  the 
marines,  and  Midshipman  Laub,  both  of  the  Lawrence, 
and  Midshipman  John  Clark,  of  the  Scorpion ;  they 
were  valuable  and  promising  officers.  Mr.  Hamilton, 
Purser,  who  volunteered  his  services  on  deck,  was  se- 
verely wounded,  late  in  the  action.  Midshipman  Clax- 
ton,  and  Swartwout,  of  the  Lawrence,  were  severely 
wounded.  On  fjoardof  the  Niagara,  Lieutenants  Smith 
and  Edwanis,  and  31idshif)man  Webster,  (doing  duty  as 
sailing-master,)  behaved  in  a  very  handsome  nitinner. 
Captain  Brevoort,  of  the  army,  who  acted  as  a  volun- 
teer, in  the  capacity  of  a  luaiine  officer,  on  board  that 
vessel,  is  an  excellent  and  brave  officer  ;  and,  with  his 
musquetry,  did  great  execution.  Lieut.  Turner,  com- 
manding the  Caledonia,  brought  that  vessel  into  action 
in  the  most  able  manner,  Jind  is  an  officer,  in  all  situa- 
tions, that  may  be  relied  on. 

The  Ariel,  Lieut.  Packet,  and  Scorpion,  sailing-mas- 1 
ter  Champlin,  were  enabled  to  get  early  into  action, 
and  were  of  great  service.  Captain  Elliot  speaks  In  I 
the  highest  terms  of  Mr.  Magrath,  Purser,  who  had 
been  dispatched  in  a  boat,  on  service^  previous,  to  my 
getting  on  board  the  JNiagara;  and,  being  a  seaman, 
since  the  action  has  rendered  essential  service  in  taking 
charge  of  one  of  the  prizes. 

Of  Captain  Elliot,  already  so  well  known  to  the  go- 
vernment, it  would  be  almost  superfluous  to  speak:- 
in  this  action,  he  evinced  his  characteristic  bravery  and 
judgment;  and,  since  the  close  of  the  action,  has  giveni 
me  the  most  able  and  essential  assistance. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  return  of  the  killl 
ed  and  wounded,  together  with  a  statement  of  the  rela- 
tive force  of  the  squadrons.   The  Captain  and  1st  Lieu 
tenant  of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  and  1st  Lieut,  of  the  Del 
troit,  were  killed.  Captain  Barclay,  senior  officer,  and! 
the  commander  of  the  Lady  Prevost,  severely  wound| 
ed.     The  commander  of  the  Hunter  and  Chippewa, 
slightly  wounded.    Their  loss,  in  killed  and  wounded, 
I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain ;  it  must,  however,! 
have  been  very  great. 


126 


f  have 


Harnson  to  have  them  marched  to  Ch?lHcothe    and 

The  Lawrence  has  been  so  entirely  cut  up,  it  is  ab 
sohile  y  necessary  she  should  go  into  a  safe  harbor    I 
have,  therefore,  directed  Lieut.  Yarnell  to  proceeVto 

siiaji  naui  iiiem  into  the  inner  bay,  at  this  olarp  iml 
moor  the.n  for  the  present.    The  Detroi  i^a  r^m^rka 
ly  fine  ship;  sails  well,  and  is  very  strongly  blit- 
he Queen  Charlotte  is  a  much  superior  vessel  to  whTJ 
it  ^hTnir  "^^^^-^^^  LadyVevosrifi^^:: 

verned  by  humanity,  w<udd  meet  your  a^p  obation?- 
under  this  impression,  I  have  taken  upon  mys^^^^^^^^^ 
i-HseCapt  Barclay,  who  is  very  dangerously  wounded" 
at  he  shall  be  landed  as  near  Lake^ Ontarfo^s  posl' 
bl  J  and,  f  had  no  doubt,  you  would  allow  me  to  ni 
role  him  ;  he  is  under  the  impression,  that  noThin^  b.it 
leaving  this  part  of  the  country  will  save  his  life   l^he^ 
is.also,  a  number  of  Canadians  among  the  prisoners- 
[many  who  have  families.  "        pusoneis— 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
\Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navv.  ^'  ^'  ^^^^^^^^ 

The  whole  force  of  the  British  squadron  was  63  a„n. 
and  2  swivels  ;-that  of  the  AmeVican  s^on  54 
fen  "'""'^'^  one  of  the  guns  burst  ^ady?n 'the 

In  the  above  action,  we  had  27  killed,  and  96  wound- 

&:f '  •  ^'^V  '"^  ^^""^^^'  '23.     On  the  nornin. 
of  the  action,  there  were  1 1 6  unfit  for  duty.  "" 


i 


^ 


!•» 


126 
SIR  JAMES  YEO's  MODE  OF  FIGHTING. 

iSxtract  of  a  letter  from  Com.  Isaac  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  ihc 

Navtf,  dated 

On  board  the  U.  S.  8.  Gen.  Pike,  off  Duek  Island,  Sept.  13, 1813. 

SIR— On  the  7th,  at  day-light,  the  enemy'*?  fleet  was 
discovered  close  in  with  the  Niagara  river,  wind  from 
the  southward— made  the  signal,  weighed  with  the  fleet, 
(prepared  for  action)  and  stood  out  of  the  river,  after 
him.  He  immediately  made  all  sail  to  the  northward; 
we  made  sail  in  chase,  with  our  heavy  schooners  in 
tow— and  have  continued  the  chase,  all  round  the  lake, 
night  and  day,  until  yesterday  morping,  when  he  suc- 
ceeded in^getting  into  Amherst-Bay,  which  is  so  little 
known  to  wjr  pilots,  and  said  to  be  so  full  of  shoals, 
that  they  are  not  willing  to  take  me  in  there.  I  shall, 
however,  (unless  driven  from  my  station  by  a  gale  of 
wind,)  endeavor  to  watch  him  so  close,  as  to  prevent 
his  getting  out  upon  the  lake.  During  our  long  chase,  I 
we  frequently  got  within  from  one  to  two  miles  of  the 
enemy  ;  but  our  heavy-sailing  schooners  prevented  our 
closing  in  with  him,  until  the  11th,  off  Genesee  river; 
we  carried  a  breeze  with  us,  while  he  lay  becalmed,  to  | 
within  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  of  him,  when  he 
took  the  breeze,  and  we  had  a  running-fight  of  three | 
and  a  half  hours  ;  but,  by  his  superior  sailing,  he  es- 
caped me,  and  run  into  Amherst-Bay,  yesterday  morn- 
ing. In  the  course  of  our  chase,  on  the  1 1th,  I  got  se- 
veral broadsides,  from  this  ship,  upon  the  enemy,  which 
must  have  done  him  considerable  injury,  as  many  of 
the  shot  were  seen  lo  strike  him,  and  people  were  ob- 
served, over  the  side,  plugging  shot-holes  ;  a  few  shot 
struck  our  hull,  and  a  little  rigging  was  cut,  but  nothing 
of  importance — not  a  man  was  hurt. 

I  was  much  disappointed,  that  Sir  James  refused  to 
fight  me,  as  he  was  so  much  superior  in  point  of  force, 
both  in  guns  and  men— having  upwards  of  20  guns  more 
than  we  have,  and  throws  a  greater  weight  of  shot. 

This  ship,  the  Madison,  and  Sylph,  have  each  a  schr. 
constantly  in  tow  ;  yet  the  others  cannot  sail  as  fast  as 


127 


and  liow  he  chooses.  ^        "*  *"Sage  ine  when 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Hon.  r.y«„„,  See.  Navy.  '^^AC  CHAUNCEV. 


ii 


INDIAN  WAR  IN  THE  SOUTH 

.picketed  forrcoSin/nr  4M  ll*"''  """'' ""' 
rinTettSaTe!'  -""™Uhra,reT<:^- 


BRIG  ARGUS. 
U  IrWrY^'^^  **^?>'  ^'^'^^""^  «^the  capture  of  the  U 

imen.— ifte  action  lasted  43  minutes     Th^  A  JL^- 
[loss  was  30,  killed  and  woundT;"{hat  oFtt  bS  e" 

MALDEN  TAKEN. 

I  %  of  a  letter  from  Major  General  William  U,  Harrison,  to  the 
I  fVar  Department,  daicd  ' 

am     ru    ^:flT^^^^^»^^»^^rstbur£^,  Sept.  23  1813 
lie  nnT^nnr  '^"  ''"""''  '^  •*"^«"»  y""'  ^^^t  I  landed 

[io  and 'font  n.''-  *'''^  t"^^"^"^'  without  opposi- 
Vn'enlPrl^f  ""'''?  ""^  ^^^  ^^^^"  ^"  hour  after.- 
General  Pioctor  has  retreated  to  Sandwich,  with  his 


M 


I 


""  -»(.-«'. 


r 


mil  '] 


128 

regular  troops  and  Indians,  havini?  previously  burned 
the  fort,  navy-yard,  barracks,  and  public  stores ;  the 
two  latter  were  very  extensive,  covering  several  acres 
of  ground.  I  will  pursue  the  enemy  to-morrow,  al- 
though  there  is  no  probability  of  overtaking  hnn,  as  he 
has  upwards  of  1000  horses,  and  we  have  not  one  in  the 
army ;  I  shall  think  myself  fortunate  to  be  able  to  col- 
lect  a  sufficiency  to  mount  the  general  ofhcers.—lt  is 
supposed,  here,  that  General  Proct(>r  intends  to  estal). 
lish  himself  upon  the  river  French,  40  miles  from 

Maiden. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  „„,^^,, 

WM.  H.  HARRISON 


DEFEAT  OF  GEN.  PROCTOR. 

Head-Quarters,  near  Moravian-Town,  on  the  rirer  Tliainej,  j 
80  miles  from  Detroit,  5th  October,  1813. 

SIR— I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that,  by  the 
blessing  of  Providence,  the  army  under  my  command 
has  obtained  a  complete  victory  over  the  combined  In- 
dian and  British  forces,  under  the  command  of  General 
Proctor.  I  believe  that  nearly  the  whole  of  the  ene- 
my's regulars  are  taken  or  killed ;  amongst  the  former 
are  all  the  superior  officers,  except  Gen.  Proctor  ;  my 
mounted  men  are  now  in  pursuit  of  him. 

Our  loss  is  very  triffing ;  the  brave  Col.  R.  M.  John 

son  is  the  only  officer  that  I  have  heard  of,  that  i^ 

wounded— he  badly,  but  I  hope  not  dangerously.      « 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

W.  H.  HARRISON. 

Hon,  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  of  War. 


TREATY  WITH  THE  INDIANS. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  W  Arthur,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dalti 

Detroit,  October  6lh,  1813. 
On  our  arrival  at  Sandwich,  my  brigade  was  orderej 
across  the  river  to  disperse  some  Indians,  who  werf^ 


-e-T- 


jlts-9t  - 


I.  HARRISON 


H.  HARRISON. 


129 

pillaging  the  town,  and  to  take  Dossessinn  nf  tw     i 
Information  was  received    .,,^P°^^®^^'0"of  this  place. 

dians  had  retired  a  smif  dUance'in7n?i  *'"•"««"''  ''- 
instructions  to  attack  Gen  HarrLn  *^^  ''^"^^'  ^>»h 
sage  for  the  purpose  orr;tX?ts^rgr^^  "iT" 
quently,  my  brigade  was  left  to  garr  sSi X^  ni«n    '^" 

Since  General  Harrison's  rl*>».at/     V      P'^^®- 
Indians.  viz.--Ottowas  Chinn.tf'''^^'*''  ^^"^  "^tions  of 
amies,  and  Kick  poosXho^^^:,^^^^^^^  ^'- 

have  come  in  for  peace  anr/h  ^  ^  ^^w  m.les  back. 
lilies  should  cease  for' irnr^'^l'S'"^^^  "'«t  hosti- 
conditions  :--theThavL  alr^^^^^^  on  the  following 

tomahawk  with  ul  and'foSall  whn"^^  ""^'^^  ^^'"^ 
enemies  to  the  U,  St.ies^t^'h^l  Sritirir  VT  "^ 
(hey  are  to  brinir  in  a  niimhp!r^f  <i  ?""sh  or  Indians ; 
^rei.  and  leave^hemThorg^^^^^^^ 
pany  us  to  war.    Some  of  ihlm  k         .    *¥^  accom- 

Have  just  received  a  note,  5om  General  H»r.- 
»ilns>ng,  that  he  had  last  even  nir  OTertaW.„  r  „    2'°"' 
tor's  force,  and  had  gained  a  ^mplete  victory    auTh" 
principal  officers  wprp  in  w.c,  r.        •  ^  *  all  the 

Hon.  See.  of  War.         "^^AN  M'ARTHCR, 

THE  JULIA  AND  GROWLER  RE-CAPTURED 

leMvhichlfe.,  in  wi.hfa:rca"pr„r:Vrs."'e"SilS; 
Ibound  to  Kineston     Of  th^i^  fl    .  e  *  ''""P'  ""  '«*»'■<'• 


'^^,^•1 


130 

inti  to  nearly  300,  besides  having  upwards  of  300  of  oiir 
troops  on  board,  from  Niagara,  induced  me  to  run  m- 
to  port,  for  the  purpose  of  landing  both. 

I  have  an  additional  pleasure  in  informing  you,  that 
amongst  Ihe  captured  vessels,  are  the  late  U  S.  schrs. 
Julia  and  Growler  ;  the  others  are  gun-vessels. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

How.  J^.  Jo  nM,  Sec.  Navy. 


':?  i 


mh'fk^ 


FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS. 

Cow  of  a  tetter*  from  Commodore  Chaunccy,  to  tlu  Secretary  ofthi 
'^^  ■'  Havy,  dated 

U.  S.  S.  Gen.  Pike,  off  Niagara,  Oct.  1, 1813. 
SIR— On  the  26th  ult.  it  was  reported  to  me,  that  Ihe 
enemy's  fleet  was  in  York.    I  immediately  dispatched 
the  Lady  of  the  Lake  to  look  into  York,  and  ascertain 
the  fact;  she  returned  in  the  evening  with  the  informa- 
tion, that  the  enemy  was  in  York  bay.     I  immediately 
prepared  to  weigh  ;  but,  ow.ing  to  a  strong  wind  fromi 
N.  N.  E.  was  not  able  to  get  out  of  the  river  before  the 
evening  of  the  271h ;  and,  owing  to  the  extreme  dark- 
ness ofthe  night,  apart  of  the  squadron  got  separated, 
and  did  not  join  before  next  morning,  at  8,  A.  M.  On 
the  28th,  the  Gen.  Pike,  Madison,  and  Sylph,  each  took 
a  schooner  in  tow,  and  made  all  sail  for  York;  soon 
after,  discovered  the  enemy's  fleet  in  York  bay,  shaped 
our  course  for  him,  and  prepared  for  action  ;  he  per- 
ceived our  intention  of  engaging  him  in  his  position- 
tacked,  and  stood  out  of  the  bay,  wind  at  east.    I  form- 
ed the  line,  and  run  down  for  his  centre  :  when  we  bad 
approached  within  about  3  miles,  he  made  all  sail  to 
the  southward  ;  I  wore  in  succession,  and  stood  on  tbel 
same  tack  with  him,  edging  down  gradually  in  orderlol 
close.    At  10  minutes,  past  meridian,  the  enemy,  hndj 
ing  we  were  closing  fast  with  him,  and  that  he  musU 

*  This  l«tter  bears  the  AJbaoy  post-mark  of  the  16th  inst.  having,  fra 
some  unknown  cause,  been  mislaid  in  sonie  Post-office. 


131 

Ik,  cut  ofl,  he  lacked  in  succession,  beginninir  at  the 
van,  hoisted  his  colours,  and  commenced  a  well  direct- 
ed hre  at  this  ship,  for  the  purpose  of  coveririiA^a  • 
a.id  attacking  our  rear  as  he  passed  to  leeward.    Per! 
cemn^  his  intention.  I  determined  to  disappoint  him  • 
,  and.  t  lorefore.  as  soon  as  the  Wolf,  (the  leading  shin^ 
I  passed  the  centre  of  his  line,  and  a  Lam  of  u"*!  uS'i 
np  in  succession,  (preserving  our  line  for  the  enemy'^ 
centre  0  this  mantjeuvre  not  only  covered  our  rear  but 
hove  him  in  confu.ion ;   he  immediately  bore  away 
We  had,  however,  closed  ,o  near  as  to  brilig  our  guns  to 
bear  with  etfect;  and,  .„  20  minutes,  the  main  ancfniizea 
top-mast,  and  main  yard  of  the  Wolf  was  shot  away:  he 
immedmtely  put  before  the  wind-was  enabled  to  outsail 
mos  ofoursquadroij;  as  it  brought  all  the  sail  upon  one 
mast,  he  did  not  feel  the  loss  of  his  main  and  mikn  top- 
mast     I  continued  the  chase  until  near  3  o'clock,  durin«- 
which  time  I  was  enabled,  in  this  ship,  (with  the  Asp  Si 
tow,)  to  keep  in  po.nt-blank  shot  of  the  enemy,  and  Sua- 
tamed  the  whole  of  his  fire  during  the  chase.  Oapt  Crane, 
in  the  Madison,  and  Lieut.  Brown,  in  the  Oneida,  used 
every  exertion  to  close  with  the  enemy;  but  the  Madison 
having  a  heavy  schooner  in  tow,  aiicl  the  Oneida  sailinff 
vmdull  before  the  wind,  prevented  those  officers  from 
closing  near  cnou^  to  do  any  execution  with  their  carron- 
ades.    1  he  Gov.Tompkins  kept  in  her  station,  until  her 
foremast  was  so  badly  woundecf,  as  to  oblige  her  to  short-   ' 
en  sail.     Lieutenant  Finch,  of  the  Madison,  who  com- 
manded her  for  this  cruise,  (owing  to  the  indisposition  of 
Lieutenant  Pettigrew,)  behaved  with  great  gallantrv,  and 
IS  an  officer  of  much  promise.  Capt.  \folsey,  of  the  Svlnh 
«;as  kept  astern  by  the  Ontario,  which  he  had  in  tow,  tut 
did  considerable  execution  with  his  heavy  euns.     At  1 1 
minutes  before  3    P.  M.  I  very  reluctantly  relinquished 
he  pursuit  of  a  beaten  enemy;  the  reasons  whicbled  to 
this  determination,  were  such  as,  I  flatter  myself,  you  will 
approve—they  were  these :  /      '  /  "  wm 

At  the  time  I  gave  up  the  chase,  this  ship  was  makinff 
<o  much  water,  that  it  required  all  our  pump  to  keep  h4 


I     !l{ 


^m 


I 


132 


free,  owing  to  our  receiving  several  shot  so  much  below 
the  water's  edge,  that  we  could  not  plug  the  holes  from 
the  outside.  The  Governor  Tompkins  with  her  foremast 
gone,  and  the  squadron  within  about  6  miles  of  the  head 
of  the  lake,  blowing  a  gale  of  wind  from  the  east,  and  in- 
creasing, with  a  heavy  sea  on,  and  every  appearance  of 
the  equinox. 

I  considered,  that  if  I  chased  the  enemy  to  his  anchor- 
age, at  the  head  of  the  lake,  I  should  be  obliged  to  anchor 
also ;  and,  although  we  might  succeed  in  driving  him  on 
shore,  the  probability  was,  that  we  should  go  on  shore 
also  :  he  amongst  his  friends — we  amongst  our  enemies; 
and,  after  the  gale  abated,  if  he  could  succeed  in  getting 
off  one  or  two  vessels  out  of  the  two  fleets,  it  would  give 
him  at  completely  the  command  of  the  lake,  as  if  he  had 
20  vessels ;  moreover,  he  was  covered,  at  his  anchorage, 
by  a  part  of  his  army,  and  several  small  batteries  thrown 
up  for  the  purpose ;  therefore,  if  we  could  have  rode  out 
the  gale,  we  should  have  been  cut  up  by  their  shot  from 
the  shore.  Under  all  these  circumstances,  and  taking  in- 
to view  the  consequences  resulting  from  the  loss  of  our 
superiority  on  the  lake,  at  this  time,  I,  without  hesitation, 
relinquished  the  opportunity,  then  presenting  itself,  of  ac- 
quiring individual  reputation,  at  the  expence  of  my  coun- 
try. The  loss  sustained  by  this  ship  was  considerable, 
owing  to  her  being  so  long  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the 
whole  of  the  enemy  s  fleet ;  but  our  most  serious  loss  was 
occasioned  by  the  Dursting  of  one  of  our  guns,  which  kill- 
ed and  wounded  22  men,  and  tore  up  the  top-gallant  fore- 
castle, which  rendered  the  gun,  upon  that  deck,  useless. 
We  had  4  other  guns  cracked  in  the  muzzle,  which  ren- 
dered their  use  extremely  doubtful.  Our  main  top 
gallant  mast  was  shot  away  in  the  early  part  of  the  action; 
and  the  bowsprit,  fore  and  main-mast  wounded ;  rigging 
and  sails  much  cut  up,  and  a  number  of  shot  in  our  hull-- 1 
several  of  which  were  between  wind  and  water ;  and  27 
men  killed  and  wounded,  including  those  by  the  bursting 
of  the  gun.  The  Madison  received  a  few  shot,  but  no 
person  nurt  on  board  ;  the  Governor  Tompkins  lost  her 
foremast,  and  the  Oneida  her  main  top-mast  badly  wound- 


133 

cd;  we  havo,  however,  repaired  all  our  damages,  and  are 
ready  to  meet  the  enemy.  ° 

DuriQg  our  chase,  one,  if  not  two  of  the  enemy's  ves- 
gels  were  completely  m  ourpower-if  I  could  have  been 
safsfiedwith  so  partial  a  victory;  but  I  was  so  sure  of 

£:yta'S;^^^^^^^^^^^  by  whi^hmr: 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 


I  If 

'hi 


■/ 

i 


'ii 


FUIITHER,  OF  PROCTOR'S  DEFEAT. 

Cm  of  a  letter  from  Maj.  General  Harrison,  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated  ^  •' 

Head-Quartersy  Detroit,  Oct.  9/A,  1813. 

..  ,^*^— fn  P'yjetter  from  Sandwich,  of  the  30th  ult  I 
did  myself  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  I  was  preparinff 
to  pursue  the  enemy  on  the  following  day  :  from  variouf 
causes,  however,  I  was  unable  to  put  the  troops  in  motion 
unt.1  the  mornmg  of  the  2d  instant;  and  then  tTtake 
with  me  about  140  of  the  regular  troops,  Johnson's 
mounted  regiment,  and  such  of  gov.  Shelby's  volunteers 
TkT^;.^  "■  ■  ^^r^f^ai-ch;  the  whole  amountincr  to 
about  3,500  men.  to  Gen.  M'Arthur,  (with  about  7(S 
effectives^  the  protectmff  this  place,  and  the  sick,  w^ 

? TT,.  •     ^"";  ?"^^'^  n^^^'  ^»d  the  corps  of  iC 
Col.  Ball,  were  left  at  SanJwich,  with  orders  to  follow 

me  as  soon  as  the  men  received  their  knapsacks  and 
!  blankets,  which  had  been  left  on  an  island,  in^^lake  Erie 
I  „  ^P«  "»»^«'dable  delay  at  Sandwich  was  attended  with 

no  disadvantage  to  us ;  General  Proctor  had  posted  him- 

Whw"'?'  r  ^^  ^'^"^  «f  '^^  -fhames,  ™r 

he  ntlLd  r^/r™  ^^'  P  "'"'  ^^^'•^' '  ^««  '"forced, 
he  intended  to  fortify,  and  wait  to  receive  me.    He  must 


i 


\i 


l^tm 


1^ 


H 


M- 


134 

have  believed,  however,  that  I  had  no  disposition  to  fol- 
low him,  or  that  he  had  secured  my  continuance  here  by 
the  reports  that  were  circulated,  that  the  Indians  would 
attack  and  destroy  this  place,  upon  the  advance  of  the 
army — as  he  neglected  to  commence  the  breaking  up  the 
bridges,  until  the  night  of  the  2d  instant  ;--on  that  night, 
our  army  reached  the  river,  which  is  25  miles  from  Sand- 
wich, and  is  one  of  four  streams,  crossing  our  route,  over 
all  of  which  are  bridges ;  and,  being  deep  and  muddy,  are 
not  fordable  for  a  considerable  distance  mto  the  country: 
the  bridge,  here,  was  found  entire ;  and,  in  the  morning, 
I  proceeded,  with  Johnson's  regiment,  to  save,  if  possible, 
the  others.  At  the  second  bridge,  over  a  branch  of  the 
river  Thames,  we  were  fortunate  enough  to  capture  a 
Lieutenant  of  Dragoons,  and  1 1  privates,  who  had  been 
sent  by  General  Proctor  to  destroy  them.  From  the  pri- 
soners, I  learned  that  the  third  bridge  was  broken  up, 
and  that  the  enemy  had  no  certain  information  of  our  aa- 
vancc ; — the  bridge,  having  been  imperfectly  destroyed, 
was  soon  repaired,  and  the  army  encamped  at  Drake's 
farm,  4  miles  below  Dalson's. — The  river  Thames,  along 
the  banks  of  which  our  route  lay,  is  a  fine  deep  stream, 
navigable  for  vessels  of  considerable  burthen;  after  the 

{)assage  of  the  bar,  at  its  mouth,  there  is  six  and  a  half 
bet  water. 

The  baggage  of  the  army  was  brought  from  Detmit 
in  boats,  protected  by  three  gun-boats  which  Commodore 
Perry  had  furnished  for  the  purpose,  as  well  as  to  cover 
the  passage  of  the  army  over  the  Thames  itself,  or  the 
mouths  of  its  tributary  streams ;  the  banks  being  low,  and 
the  country  generally  open,  (priaries,)  as  high  as  Dal- 
son's, these  vessels  were  well  calculated  for  that  purpose. 
Above  Dalson's,  however,  the  character  of  the  nver  and 
adjacent  country  is  considerably  changed;  the  former, 
though  still  deep,  is  very  narrow,  and  its  banks  high  and 
woody. 

The  Commodore  and  myself,  therefore,  agreed  upon  the 

{»ropriety  of  leaving  the  boats  under  a  guard  of  150  in* 
antry ;  and  I  determined  to  trust  to  fortune,  and  the  bra- 
very of  my  troops,  to  effect  the  passage  of  the  river. 


m 


m 


■■^S^iSBtf. 


135 

Wowa  place  called  Chatham,  and  4  miles  above  D.l,oi.'i. 

...hatat^^I<J.go.a:ili:tSe'Lt'^^^^^^^^^ 
dred  of  the  Indians  remained  to  dispute  our  passage  aTd 

££;t^r;1hl*'  advanced  P„ard,  co^ZiSl 

enabled  us,  .„  2  hours,  to  repair  the  bridge,and  cross  the 
troops.     CoJ.  Johnson's  mount*»d   r^<rl^r.\    u- 
ther^hto^ 

t  the  mills,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  Indians     Our 

l?7i^''  "''"''°"'  ^^^  2  killed,  and  3  or  iT^unded 

-that  of  the  enemj  was  ascertained  to  he  consTdeTblv 

rater.     A  house,  near  the  bridge,  containing  a  considS 

abe  number  of  musquets,  had  been  set  on  fi^;  b^i  1^; 

extnpished  by  our  troops,  and  the  arms  saved      At X 

first  farm,  above  the  bridge,  we  found  one  of  !h;  enemv^: 

I  essels  on  fire,  loaded  w,tS  arms  and  ordnance  stores^^L 

I  rl/K^' J^7r  ^"  "  ^'''  "»"^«  ^»^ead  of  usrstilloa 

AiDowies  larm,  4  miles  from  the  Br  dee,  we  haltp,)  f„.. 

filled  with  ordnance  and  other  valuable  storS,toanim 

nre— two  24  prs.  with  their  carriages,  were  taken  with 
alargequantity  of  ball  and  shell,  of  various  sizes     '       ^ 

the  5th.    I  pushed  on,  in  advance,  with  the  mounted  re- 
e.ment,  ancf  requested  Gov.  Shelby  to  follow,  as  Ixpedt 

Til  T  ?r'^^''  ^'*^  '^'  '"^^"try ;  the  Gorernor's^a 
vahy;  and,  by  9  o'clock,  we  were  at  Arnold's  mills,  hav- 

rrid  n   X  '  -^^  ^^  7'th  provisions  and  ammuniUon. 
I  A  rapid,  at  the  river  ^t  Arnold's  mills,  affords  the  onlr 


I 


li 


i 


)<" 


m 


li 


136 


I  i 


■'  'A 


■|^ 


It:  'J 


r  SiV> 


I 


liM 


fording  to  be  met  with,  for  a  very  considerable  distance ; 
but,  upon  examination,  it  was  found  too  deep  for  the  in. 
fantry.  Having,  fortunately,  taken  two  or  three  boats, 
and  some  Indian  canoes,  on  the  spot,  and  obliging  the 
horsemen  to  take  a  footman  behind  each,  the  whole  were 
safely  crossed  by  12  o'clock,  Eight  miles  from  the  cross- 
ing, we  passed  a  farm  where  a  part  of  the  British  troops 
had  encamped  the  night  before,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Warburton ;  the  detachment,  under  General  Proctor, 
had  arrived,  the  day  before,  at  the  Moravian  towns,  four 
miles  higher  up.  Being  now  certainly  near  the  enemy, 
I  directed  the  advance  of  Johnson's  regiment  to  accele- 
rate  their  march,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  intelli- 
gence ;  the  officer  commanding  It,  in  «  snort  time,  sent  to 
inform  me,  that  his  progress  was  stopped  by  the  enemy, 
who  were  formed  across  our  line  of  march  :  one  of  the 
enemy's  waggoners  also  being  taken  prisoner,  from  the 
information  received  from  him,  and  my  own  observation, 
assisted  by  some  of  my  officers,  I  soon  ascertained  enough 
of  their  disposition,  and  order  of  battle,  to  determine  that, 
which  it  was  proper  for  me  to  adopt. 

I  have  the  nonor,  herewith,  to  enclose  you  my  general 
order,  of  the  27th  ult.  prescribing  the  order  of  march,  and 
of  battle,  when  the  whole  army  should  act  together;  but, 
as  the  number  and  description  of  the  troops  had  been  es- 
sentially changed,  since  the  issuing  the  order,  it  became 
necessary  to  make  a  corresponding  alteration  in  their  dis- 
position. 

From  the  place  where  our  army  was  last  halted,  to  the  I 
Moravian  towns,  a  distance  of  about  three  and  a  haifl 
miles,  the  road  passes  through  a  beach  forest,  without  ai  ^ 
clearing;  and,  for  the  first  two  miles,  near  to  the  bank  of 
the  river;  at  from  2  to  300  yards  from  the  river,  a  swamp 
extends  parallel  to  it,  throughout  the  whole  distance;  the 
intermediate  ground  is  dry,  and,  although  the  trees  are 
tolerably  thick,  it  is  in  many  places  clear  of  underbnish;! 
across  this  strip  of  land,  its  left  appuayed  upon  the  river,! 
supported  by  artillery,  placed  in  tne  wood;  their  right  in  I 
the  swamp,  covered  by  the  whole  of  their  Indian  force— j 
Ae  British  troops  were  drawn  up. 


m 


if 


.J 


137 

7^'^  VTP''n*l*r^'  '^'^PosaJ'  consisted  of  about  120  re- 
gulars of  the  27th  regiment,  five  brigades  of  Kentucky 
volunteers,  iiul.tia  infantry,  under  his  excellency  Govern- 
or Shelby,  averaging  less  than  500  men;  and  6ol  John- 
sons regiment  of  mounted  infantry,  making,  in  the  whole, 
an  aggregate  of  something  above  3000.     No  disposition 
of  an  army,  opposed  to  anlndian  force,  can  be  safe,  unless 
,tis  secured  on  the  flanks,  and  in  the  rear;  I  had,  there- 
fore, no  difficulty  in  arrangmg  the  infantry,  conformably  to 
my  general  order  of  battle.     General  trotter's  brigade, 
of  500  men,  formed  the  front  line ;  his  right  upon  the  road 
-his  left  upon  the  swamp ;  Gen.  King's  bric^ade,  as  a 
second  hne,  150  yards  in  the  rear  of  Trotter's     and 
Chiles  brigade,  as  a/;orps  of  reserve,  in  the  rear  of  it— 
tliese  three  brigades  formed  the  command  of  Major-Gene- 
ra Henry;  the  whole  ofGen.  Desha's  division,  ionsistinff 
oltwo  brigades,  were  formed^  en  potettce,  upon  the  left  oT 
1  rotter.  "^ 

Whilst  [  was  engaged  in  forming  the  infantry,  I  had  di- 
rected Col.  Johnson's  regiment,  which  was  still  in  front, 
to  be  formed  in  two  lines,  opposite  to  the  enemy  ;  and 
upon  the  advance  of  the  infantry,  to  take  the  ground  upon 
le  left;  and,  forming  upon  the  flank,  to  endeavor  to  turn 
the  rignt  ol  the  Indians. 

A  moment's  reflection,  however,  convinced  me,  that 
Irom  the  thickness  of  the  woods,  and  swampiness  of  the 
ground,  th^y  would  be  unable  to  do  any  thino-  on  horse- 
back--and  there  was  no  time  to  dismount  them,  and  place 
their  horses  in  security;  I,  therefore,  determined  to  refuse 
my  left  to  the  Indians,  and  to  break  the  British  lines,  at 
once,  by  a  charge  of  the  mounted  infantry.  The  measure 
was  not  sanctioned  by  any  thing  that  I  had  seen  or  heard 
ol,  but  I  was  fully  convinced  that  it  would  succeed.  The 
American  back-woodsmen  ride  better  in  the  woods  than 
sny  other  people;  a  musquet,  or  rifle,  is  no  impediment 
to  them,  being  accustomed  to  carry  them,  on  horseback, 
trom  their  eariiest  youth.  I  was  persuaded,  too,  that  the 
enemy  would  be  quite  unprepared  for  the  shock,  and  that 
they  could  not  resist  it.  Conformably  to  this  idea,  I  di- 
ted  the  regiment  to  be  drawn  up  in  close  column,  with 

S 


I' 


I   <■ 


I'pf 


i.'^f). 


^1 


■^  ,,..^- 


138 


<  ■f 


rr 


its  right  at  the  distance  of  50  yards  upon  the  road,  (that 
it  might  be,  in  Bome  measure,  protected  by  the  trees,  from 
the  artillery,)  its  left  upon  the  swamp,  and  to  charge,  at 
full  speed,  as  soon  as  the  enemy  delivered  their  fire.  The 
few  regular  troops,  of  the  27tb,  under  their  Colonel 
(Paul)  occupied,  in  columns  of  four,  the  small  space  be< 
tween  the  road  and  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  seizing 
the  enemy's  artillery;  and  some,  10  or  12,  friendly  In- 
dians  were  directed  to  move  under  the  bank.  The  crotch- 
(i,  formed  by  the  front  line,  and  Gen.  Desha's  division, 
was  an  important  point ;  at  this  place  the  venerable  go. 
vernor  of  Kentucky  was  posted,  who,  at  the  age  of  66, 
preserves  all  the  vigor  of  youth — the  ardent  ze^,  which 
distinguished  him  in  the  revolationaiy  war — and  the  un- 
daunted bravery,  which  he  manifested  at  King's  Mountain. 
With  my  aids-de-camp,  the  acting  assistant  Adjutant  Gen.  I 
Capt.  Butler;  my  gallant  friend,  Com.  Perry,  who  did  me 
the  honor  to  serve  as  my  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  a 
Brig.  Gen.  Cass,  who,  havmg  no  command,  tendered  me  I 
his  assistance — [  placed  myself  at  the  head  of  the  front 
line  of  infantry,  to  direct  the  movements  of  the  cavalry, 
and  give  them  the  necessary  support.     The  army  had  mo- 
ved on,  in  this  order,  but  a  short  distance,  when  tne  mount- 
ed men  received  the  fire  of  the  British  line,  and  were  or- 
dered to  charge  :  the  horses,  in  the  front  of  the  column,  | 
recoiled  from  the  fire ;  another  was  given  by  the  enemy, 
and  our  column,  at  length  getting  in  motion,  broke  through 
the  enemy  with  irresistible  force.     In  one  minute  the  con- 
test, in  front,  was  over.     The  British  officers,  seeing  no 
hopes  of  reducing  their  disordered  ranks  to  order,  and  I 
our  mounted  men  wheeling  upon  them,  and  pouring  in  i 
destructive  fire,  immediately  surrendered.     It  is  certain  I 
that  three   only,  of  our  troops,  were  wounded  in  this 
charge.    Upon  the  left,  however,  the  contest  was  more 
severe,  with  the  Indians  :  Col.  Johnson,  who  commanded 
on  that  flank  of  his  regiment,  received  a  most  galling  fire 
from  them,  which  was  returned  with  great  effect.    The 
Indians,  still  further  to  the  right,  advanced,  and  fell  in  | 
with  our  front  line  of  Infantry,  near  its  junction  with  De- 
sha's division,  and,  for  a  moment,  made  an  impression  upon  I 


J  39 

it  His  excellency,  Gov.  Shelby,  however,  brought  up  a 
regiment  to  Us  suoport ;  and  the  enemy,  receivki/a  severe 
fire  m  front,  an^  a  part  of  Johnson's  regimeSt  having 
pined  their  rear,  retreated  with  precipitation.     Thef 

I.  can  give  no  satisfactory  information  of  the  number  of 
Indians  that  were  m  the  action  ;  but  they  must  have  been 
considerably  upwards  of  one  thousand.  From  the  docu- 
ments m  my  possession,  (Gen.  Proctor's  official  letters 
all  of  which  were  taken)  and  from  the  information  of  res- 
pectable mhab.tants  of  ths  territory,  the  Indians,  kept  in 

hay  by  the  Bntish,  were  much  more  numerous  than  has 
^en  ge«fa"  J  supposed.  In  a  letter  to  Gen.  De  Rotten- 
burg,  of  the  27  th  mst.  Gen.  Proctor  speaks  of  having  pre- 
vailed upon  most  of  the  Indians  to  accompany  hii;  of 

lis  hi''  ''^'^'''         ^°  ''''  ^^  Wyandot  warrior,  aban- 

\Jt^iT'^^'''^T!'''T  "^^^  <=ertainly  greater  than 
hat  of  the  enemy;  but,  when  it  is  recollected  that  thev 
ad  chosen  a  position,  which  effectually  secured  their 
flank,  which  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  turn ;  and  that  we 
could  not  present  to  them  a  line  more  extended  than  their 
own,  It  will  not  be  considered  arrogant  to  claim,  for  my 
Iroops,  the  palm  of  superior  bravery. 

In  communicating  to  the  President,  through  you,  sir 
my  opimon  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers,  who  senred  un- 
der my  command,  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  mention  that  of 
bov.  bhelby,  being  convinced  that  no  eulogium  of  mine 
can  reach  his  merits;  the  governor  of  an  independent 
state-greatly  my  superior  in  years,  in  experience,  and  in 
military  character— he  placed  himself  under  my  command  • 
andwasi^ot  more  remarkable  for  his  zeal  and  activity 

I  than  for  the  promptitude  and  cheerfulness  with  which  he'' 

I  obeyed  my  orders. 

I  J}^^  Maior-Generals,  Henry  and  Desha,  and  the  Bri- 
^diers,  Allen,  Caldwell,  Chiles,  and  Trotter,  all  of  the 
I  Kentucky  volunteers,  manifested  great  zeal  and  activity. 
I  /*  ^^"[d  be  useless,  sir,  after  stating  the  circumstances 
lolthe  action,  to  pass  encomiums  upon  CoV  Johnson,  and 


M'. 


f 


140 


^'    >i 


^[\ 


/.-; 


his  regiment — ^veterans  could  not  have  manifested  more 
firmness ;  the  Colonel's  numerous  wounds  prove  that  he 
was  in  the  post  of  danger.  Lieut.  Col.  James  Johnson, 
and  the  Majors  Payne  and  Thompson,  were  equally  ac- 
tive, though  more  fortunate.  Maj.  Wood,  of  the  enti- 
neers,  already  distinguished,  by  his  conduct  at  fort  Meigs, 
attended  the  army  with  two  6  poi  nders ;  having  no  use 
for  them  in  the  action,  he  joined  in  the  pursuit  of  the  ene- 
my ;  and,  with  Maj.  Payne,  of  the  mounted  regiment,  two  j 
of^  my  aids-de-camp,  Todd  and  Chambers,  and  three  pri- 1 
vates,  continued  it  for  several  miles  after  the  troops  fiad 
halted,  and  made  many  prisoners. 

I  left  the  army  before  an  official  return  of  the  prisoners, 
or  that  of  the  killed  and  \  mded,  was  made  out;  it  waa,. 
however,  ascertained,  thai  the  former  amounted  to  601 
regulars,  including  25  officers.  Our  loss  is  seven  killed, 
and  22  wounded,  five  of  which  have  since  died.  Of  the 
British  troops,  12  were  killed,  and  22  wounded;  the  In. 
dians  suffered  most — .33  of  them  having  been  found  upon! 
the  ground,  besides  those  killed  on  the  retreat. 

On  the  day  of  the  action,  six  pieces  of  brass  artillery 
were  taken — and  2  iron  24  pounders,  the  day  before ;- 
several  others  were  discovered  in  the  river,  and  can  be  I 
easily  procured.     Of  the  brass  pieces,  3  are  the  trophies 
of  our  revolutionary  war,  that  were  taken  at  Saratoga  and  I 
York,  and  surrendered  by  Gen.  Hull.     The  number  ofl 
small  arms,  taken  by  us,  and  destroyed  by  the  enemy,  [ 
must  amount  to  upwards  of  5000 ;  most  of  them  had  been 
ours,  and  taken  by  the  enemy  at  the  surrender  of  Detroit, 
at  the  river  Raisin,  and  at  Col.  Dudley's  (:efeat.   I  believe 
that  the  enemy  retain  no  other  trophy  of  their  victories,! 
than  the  standard  of  the  4th  regiment ;  they  were  not! 
mao;nanimous  enough  to  bring  that  of  the  4)st  into  the  | 
field,  or  it  would  have  been  taken.     You  have  been  in- 
formed, sir,  of  the  conduct  of  the  troops,  under  my  com- 1 
mand,  in  action  ;  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  inform  you, 
that  they  merit,  also,  the  approbation  of  their  country,  for 
their  conduct — in  submitting  to  the  greatest  privations,! 
'With  the  utmost  cheerfulness. 


141 

Theinfantry  were  tnJrely  without  tents;  and,  for  se- 
veral days,  the  whole  army  subsisted  upon  fresh  beef 
without  bread  orsaU.— Gen.  Proctor  escaped  by  the  fleet- 
ness  of  his  horses,  escorted  by  40  dragoons,  and  a  number 
of  Indians. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ij      T  A      .         „  W'L  LI  AM  H.  HARRISON. 
Hon.  J.  Armstrongs  Sec.  War. 


1 


PRIVATEER  SARATOGA. 

Mractofa  letter  from  Thomas  Aderto»,  Esq.  Commander  of  the  vr^^ 
vate  armed  schr.  Saratoga,  to  the  owners,  in  ySork       ^ 

«  We  have  been  chased  by  bri^s,  frigates,  and  hue  of 
battle  ships ;  but,  at  last,  off  Surinam  nver,  in  about  4 
fathom  water,  we  captured  the  British  packet-briff  Mor- 
giana,  of  18  guns,  (16  long  9's,  and  two  12's,)  and  be- 
ween  40  and  50  men,  James  Cunningham,  commander, 
from  Falmouth,  29  days  out,  for  Surinam.     We  discover' 
cd  the  br,^  at  half  past  5,  A.  M.  Sept.  26,  on  our  lee  bow 
-made  sail  m  chase.  Being  to  the  windward  of  Surinam 
she  ran  down  before  the  wind,  for  the  river,  and  o-ave  us 
a  hard  run.     At  a  little  before  3,  P.  M.  got  nearly  within 
musquet-shot,  when  the  chase  hoisted  English  colours,  and 
gave  us  her  stem  chasers,  which  she  repeated  three  times 
and  cut  away  some  of  our  rigging.  At  3,  P.  M.  we  hoisti 
ed  American  colors ;  and,  being  within  good  lausquet  shot 
hve  commenced  the  action,  and  continued,  a  considerable 
part  of  the  time,  within  pistol-shot— and  a  part  of  the 
time  close  along  side— till  25  minutes  past  4,  P.  M.  when 
we  earned  herljy  boarding,  after  a  severe  action,  in  which 
the  Saratoga,  as  well  as  her  prize,  were  made  almost 
wrecks-stays,  shrouds,   &c.  almost  all  cut  away,  and 
more  than  one  hundred  shot-h9les  in  her  main-sail— manv 
in  our  masts,  spars,  and  hull.    The  bulwarks  of  the  Mor- 
giana  being  equal,  if  not  superioir  to  those  of  the  Saratoffa, 
enabled  her  to  hold  out  as  Jong  As  she  did.     They  fouffht 
desperately;  and  even  beyond  what  prudence  would  lie- 
late:  she  had  two  killed,  and  eight  wounded;  (6  mor- 


142 


I'j 


\^H 


'<\ 


■'  I  »'■, 


M 


tally,)  amon^  which  is  James  Cunningham,  Esq.  her  com. 
mander.  With  regret  1  have  to  inform  you,  our  loss  wai 
the  1st  Lieut  Mr.  Sebring,  and  one  man  killed,  one  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  3  or  4  slightly  wounded 

I  send  Mr.  George  H.  Fellows,  prize-master ;  Mr.  Til- 
ton  Newcomb,  mate ;  and  12  men,  in  the  brig,  ordering 
her  for  some  port  in  the  U.  States,  as  best  suits  circum- 
stances  and  convenience ;  and,  as  she  is  a  very  fast  sailing 
■vessel,  feel  much  confidence  that  she  will  arrive  safe ;  she 
sails  nearly  as  well  as  the  Saratoga,  and,  1  think,  will 
make  an  excellent  privateer.  She  has  been  a  Spanish 
sloop  of  war,  a  French  sloop  of  war,  an  English  packet, 
and  IS  now  a  Yankee  prizcy  and  is  a  fine  vessel.  The 
Saratoga  had  but  4  guns,  and  116  men — having  throwi 
overboard  the  rest  of  her  guns,  in  a  chase. 


»«■« 


COL.  CLARK'S  EXPEDITION. 

€:(ypy  of  a  letter  from  Brigadier-Qeneral  Parker,  to  the  Secreta- 
ry of  War t  dated 

Burlington^  Vt.  Oct.  1813. 

SIR-^— I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  communication) 
from  Col.  Isaac  Clark,  dated  the  15tn  inst.  The  expedi- 
tion appears  to  have  been  well  concerted,  and  happily 
executed ;  for  which  the  Colonel  deserves  great  credit. 

On  our  part,  none  were  killed,  and  only  two  wounded 
*-Hfieither  of  them  dangerously. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

THOMAS  PARKER,  Brig.  Gen.  cm^\ 
Hon.  J.  Armstrongs  Sec.  War. 


lExfrocf  of  a  letter  from  Col.  IseuuClark,  to  Brigadier-General  Ta- 
ker, dated 

Campt  Chazty  Landing,  Oct.  15, 1813. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  can  inform  you,  of  a  success- 

fill  attack  upon  the  enemy,  at  Missisqui  bay,  on  the  mom- 


143 

ing  of  the  I2th  inst.  [after  detailing  his  approach  to  the 
enemv,  which  evmces  ao  excellent  kSowIedffUf  the  coun 
irr,  t^e  Col  states :]  at  this  time,  I  had  onf;  the    iflemen" 
w.th  me-the  art.llery  moving  »low,  and  iL  mihtia  n.^ 
tectmg  thejr  rear.  *"uiua  pro- 

We  proceeded  to  the  village,  (Missisqui,)  and  arrived 

tlnn/^i      °^  '^''  """'">^'  *^^^^^  ^«  ^«^  discovered 
We  found  them  drawn  up,  under  Mai.  Powell  in  «! 

ner  that  would  have  annLd  us  iml,  h7d  we  at  aXS 

SslThtLnd  slrth^^  ""P'P^^'^?  *°  defend  tW 
jejves  on  me  land  side,  they  commenced  a  fire  on  the  left 

ank;  but,  m  ten  minutes  after  the  first  attackXv  laid 

rfown  their  arms,  and  surrendered  themseitt  p^^^^^^^^^^^ 

Understanding  that  a  force  of  200  men,  under  Colonel 
Lock  was  marcTung  to  attack  us,  I  dispatched  cZaio 
inch  with  his  company,  to  reconnoiter  them,  and  asce" 
ta-n  their  course ;  he  proceeded  with  such  pmmless  and 
my,  as  to  surprize  and  capture  the  aSvaZd  ^uard 
consisting  of  cavalrv,  excepting  one  man ;  Xo  esfaped 
and  giving  the  mf^rmation,  tEe  enemy  ^tieated^^the 
y^^re  then  put  on  board  our  Lats,  and  s'ent  to^ 

Our  whole  force,  engaged,  was  102-the  number  of 
|pnsoners  taken,  is  101-their  killed,  9-and  wounTedru: 
I  am,  sir,  &c. 
Brig.  Ge„.  Parker.  'SMC  CLARK. 


gham,  Esq.  her  com. 
m  you,  our  loss  wai 
nan  killed,  one  mor- 
)unded 

ze-master ;  Mr.  Til- 
1  the  brig,  ordering 
9  best  suits  circum- 
is  a  very  fast  sailing 
will  arrive  safe ;  she 
1,  and,  1  think,  will 
has  been  a  Spanish 
an  English  packet, 
a  fine  vessel.  The 
nen — having  throwi 
;hase. 


OITION. 

Parker,  to  the  Secrtta- 

m.  Ft.  Oct.  1813. 

ou  a  communication)  I 
I  inst     The  expedi- 
certed,  and  happilj 
rves  great  credit,    j 
only  two  wounded 

I,  Brig.  Gen.  cmg. 

SOUTHERN  INDIAN  WAR. 

I  %  of  akUer  from  Brig  Gen.  John  Coffee,  to  Mag.  Qcn.  Andrew 
I  Jackson,  dated 

SIR    T  h.  I  *K  S^'^P'  ""^  Ten  Islands,  Nov.  4/A,  1813. 


Mgadier-General  Par- 


I 


l>     ! 


v 


Ml  f 


144 

of  1  beg  leave  to  recite  to  you : — Pursuant  to  your  order. 
of  the  2d,  I  detailed,  from   my   brigade   of  cavalry  and 
mounted  riflemen,  9()0  men  and  otticerH,  and  proceeded  di- 
rectly to  the  Tallusliatches  towns;  crossed  Coosey  river, 
at  the  fish-dam  ford,  3  or  4  miles  above  this  place.    I  ar- 
rived within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  town,  (distant 
from  this  place,  S.  E.  8  miles,)  on  the  morning  of  the  3d, 
at  which  place  I  divided  my  detachment  into  two  columns; 
the  right,  composed  of  the  cavalry,  commanded  by  Col, 
Allcorn,  to  cross  over  a  large  creek,  that  lay  between  us 
and  the  towns ;  the  left  column  was  of  the  mounted  ritle- 
men,  commanded  by  Col.  Cannon,  with  whom  I  marched 
myself.     Col.  Allcorn  was  ordered  to  march  up  on  the 
right,  and  encircle  one  half  of  the  town ;  and,  at  the  same 
time,  the  left  would  form  a  half-circio  on  the  left,  and 
unite  the  head  of  the  columns  in  front  of  the  town  ;  all  of 
which  was  performed,  as  I  could  wish.     When  I  arrived 
within  half  a  mile  of  the  towns,  the  drums  of  the  enemy 
began  to  beet,  mingled  witli  their  savage  yells,  preparingj 
for  action.     It  was  after  sun-rise,  an  hour,  when  the  action! 
was  brought  on  by  Capt.  Hammond  and  Lieut.  Patter- [ 
son's  companies,  who  had  gone  on,  within  the  circle  ofl 
alignment,  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  out  the  enemy  fromj 
their  buildings,  which  had  the  most  happy  effects.    As 
soon  as  Capt.  Hammand  exhibited  liis  front,  in  view  of  thel 
town,  (which  stood  in  open  woodland)  and  gave  a  few! 
scattering  shot,  the  enemy  formed,  and  made  a  violent 
charge  on  him;    he  gave  way,  as  they  advanced,  uniill 
they  met  our  right  column,  which  gave  them  a  generall 
fire,  and  then  cnarged ;  this  changed   the  direction  oil 
charge,   completely — the   enemy  retreated,  firing,  until [ 
they  got  around,  and  in  their  buddings,  where  they  madcl 
all  the  resistance  that  an  overpowered  soldier  could  do;| 
they  fought  as  long  as  one  existed,  but  their  destructionj 
was  very  soon  completed ;    our  men  rushed  up  to  tliel 
doors  of  their  houses,  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  killed  thel 
last  warrior  of  them.     The  enemy  fought  with  savage  M 
ry,  and  met  death,  with  all  its  horrors,  without  shrinKinsJ 
or  complaining ;  not  one  asked  to  be  spared,  but  fougnff 
as  long  as  they  could  stand  or  sit.    In  consequence  o| 


s..i«,««*^,K^W^^»IW 


145 

their  flying  to  their  houses,  and  mixing  wJH.  iu.'  r  • 
li(%  our  men,  in  killinir  h»»  mTi  ^-^^  "' *'^.^"'^^'"^'• 
killed  and  wounded  a  fel  of  tr?  """'""'.  ""*"'"•"" 
Which  was  regretted  by  everv  ofK  J?'*''.  «"^  /^^^^'en. 
.lelachment  1>ut  wh.'rStr  r^S^/  "!,t 
maber  of  the  enemy,  killed,  wan  IHB  ii.=.  ' '"' 

.d,.nJ  a  „u,„l«r  o^f  »£  X.'terkmed  In^T; 
weeds,  not  found  •  I  UAni  tu^     i     iV-     '^"'*^^  »"  the 

.«,to  .ay.  20,;  o'f  hemtere  k!M'''3  »;™?''-"l« 
of  women  and  children  TT,..!  ^^  P"s>>n*-r», 

iMkn,..vn  heietofort  ^  ""'-"  circunistance 

:i:r^:a'^a:reU»^''"M^^^^^^^^^^^ 

l-un(Jie   of  arrows    vvS  /«        f'r'^  ^  .''°^'  ^^^*»  » 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

JOHN  COFFEE,  Bri;§-.  Gen, 
]kj.  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson. 


PttOCLAMATrON. 


James  Wilkinson,  Major-General,  and  Commander  iu 
'  W:i^^'''^^^^-^  '^^  CanadaTZt/: 

Tiie  army  of  the  United  States,  which  I  hav^  fh. 
lonor  to  command,  invades  these  Provinces-!to  c  ^n 
b  ''?^  "°    *«  ^^^^roy  ;  to  subdue  the  forces  of  his 
£    r  T&h"''/^  ''''  ^^^'-^  his  unXding 

fe'tuh?^  r^^*%^  inlerr^lUttdTo- 
I"/  w  ueaied  as  avowed  enemies. 

T 


146 

I'o  menace,  is  unjust — to  seduce,  dishonorable— yet 
it  is  just  and  humane  to  place  these  alternatives  before 
you. 

Done  at  the  Head-Quarters  of  the  Array  of  the 
United  States,  this  6th  day  of  November,  1813, 
near  Ogdensburffh,  on  the  St  Lawrence. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
By  the  General's  command, 

N.  PINKNE  y.  Major,  and  A,  D.  C 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  ARMY. 

From  Gen.  Wilkinsoii,  to  (he  Secretary  of  War. 

Head-Quarters,  French  Mills,  adjoining  the  Prorince 
of  Lower  Canada,  November  16,  1813. 

SIR — I  b^g  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  journal,  which 
accompanies  this  letter,  for  the  particulars  of  the  move-  j 
ments  of  the  corps,  under  my  command,  down  the  St.  j 
Lawrence,  and  will  endeavor  to  exert  my  enfeebled 
mind  to  detail  lo  you  the  more  striking  and  important  I 
incidents,  which  have  ensued  my  departure  from  Gren- 
adier Island,  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Ontario,  on  the  3d  | 
instant. 

The  corps  of  the  enemy,  at  Kingston,  which  follow- 
ed me,  hung  on  my  rear ;  and,  in  concert  with  a  heavy  | 
galley,  and  a  few  gun-boats,  seemed  determined  to  re- 
tard my  progress.    I  was  strongly  tempted  to  halt-| 
turn  about,  and  put  an  end  to  his  teazing  ;  but,  ala 
I  was  confined  to  my  bed — Maj.  Gen.  Lewis  was  too  iii  I 
for  any  active  exertion  ;  and,  above  all,  I  did  not  dare 
suffer  myself  to  be  diverted,  a  single  day,  from  a  pro- 
secution of  the  views  of  government.    I  had  writteDi 
Maj.  Gen.  Hampton,  on  the  6th  inst.  by  his  Adjutant- 
General,  Col.  King,  and  had  ordered  him  to  form  a  { 
junction  with  me,  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  which  I  expect- 
ed would  take  place  on  the  0th  or  10th.    It  wouldl 
have  been  unpardonable,  had  I  lost  sight  of  this  object,! 


or,  and  A,  D.  C 


E  ARMY. 


14^ 

a  moment,  as  I  deemed  it  of  vital  importance  to  the 
jssue  of  the  campaign. 

The  enenriy  deserve  credit  for  their  zeal  and  intelli- 
gence, which  the  active,  universal  hostility,  of  the  male 
inhabitants  of  the  country  enabled  them  to  employ  to 
Ihe  greatest  advantage.  Thus,  while  menaced  by  a  res^ 
pectable  force  in  the  rear,  the  coast  was  lined  with 
tnusquetry  ,n  front,  at  every  critical  pass  of  the  rivei" 
which  obliged  me  to  march  a  detachment,  and  this  im- 
peded my  progress. 

On  the  evening  of  tlie  9th  inst.  the  army  halted  a 
[  kw  miles  from  the  head  of  the  Longue  Sa^utjln  the 

General  Brown  marched  agreeably  to  order,  and  about 

noon  we  were  apprized,  by  the  report  of  his  artillery 

that  he  was  engaged,  some  distance  below  us.    At  the 

same  tirne,  the  enemy  were  observed  in  our  rear ;  and 

tlieir  galley  and  gun-boats  approached  our  flotilla,  atid 

opt  nea  a  hre  upon  us,  whit  h  obliged  me  to  order  a  bat- 

^'^'     ..5  P'^""ders  to  be  planted,  and  a  shot  fiom  it 

I  compelled  the  vessels  of  the  enemy  to  retire,  together 

I  «ith  their  troops,  after  some  firing  between  the  advan- 

I  C6u  parties. 

But,  by  this  time,  in  consequence  of  disembaikinff 
and  re-embarkmg  the  heavy  guns,  the  dav  was  so  fir 
spent,  that  our  pilots  did  not  dare  to  ente'r  the  Saut  • 
(eight  rniies,  a  continued  rapid,)  and,  therefore,  we  fell 
down  about  two  miles,  and  come  to  for  the  ni<rht 

Early  the  next  morning,  every  thing  was  in  readiness 
lorinotion;  but,  having  received  no  intelligence  from 
Gen.  Brown,  I  was  still  delayed,  as  sound  caution  pre- 
scribed I  should  learn  the  result  of  the  affair,  before  I 
committed  the  flotilla  to  the  Saut.  At  half  past  10, 
A.  M.  an  officer  of  dragoons  arrived  with  a  letter,  in 
which  the  General  informed  me  he  had  forced  the  ene- 
my, and  would  reach  the  foot  of  the  Saut,  early  in  the 
day.  Orders  were  immediately  given,  for  the  fiotiiJa 
to  saU  :  at  which  mstant  the  enemy's  gun-boats  appear- 
ed, and  began  to  throw  shot  among  us ;  information 
was  brought  me,  at  the  same  time,  from  Brig.  General 


M'  8 


'A    \: 


>  J     ! 


f:  'I 


^^t  *  ■ 


BiM'^i  ^ 


148 

Boyd,  that  the  enemy's  troops  were  advancing  in  co- 
luinn ;  I  immediately  sent  orders  to  him  to  attack  them. 
This  report  was  soon  contradicted  ;  their  boats,  how- 
ever,  continued  to  scratch  us,  and  a  variety  of  reports 
of  their  movements,   and  counter-moveuients,  were 
brought  to  me  in  succession ;  which  convinced  me  of 
their  determination  to  hazard  an  attack,  when  it  could 
be  done  to  the  greatest  advantage ;  and,  therefore,  I 
resolved  to  anticipate  them.     Directions  were,  accord- 
ingly, sent,  by  that  distinguished  officer.  Col.  Swift,  of 
the  engineers,  to  Brig.  Gen.  Boyd,  to  throw  the  detach- 
ments  of  his  command,  assigned  to  him  in  the  order  of  j 
the  preceding  day,  and  composed  of  men  of  his  own, 
Covington's  and  Swartwout's  brigades,  into  three  co-' 
lumns,  to  march  upon  the  enemy,  outflank  them  if  pos- 
sible,  and  take  their  artillery.     The  action  soon  after 
commenced  with  the  advanced  body  of  the  enemy, 
and  became  extremely  sharp  and  galling,  and  with  oc' 
casional   pauses,  not  sustained  with  great  vivacity,  in  j 
open  space  and  fair  combat,  for  upwards  of  two  and  an 
half  hours,  the  adverse  lines  alternately  yielding  and 
advancing. 

It  is  impossible  to  say,  with  accuracy,  what  was  our 
number  on  the  field ;  because  it  consisted  of  indefinite 
detachments,  taken  from  the  boats,  to  render  sale  the 
passage  of  the  Saut.  Generals  Covington  and  Swart- 
wout  voluntarily  took  part  in  the  action,  at  the  head  of 
detachments  from  their  respective  brigades,  and  exhi- 
ted  the  same  courage  that  was  displayed  by  Brig.  Gen. 
Boyd,  who  happened  to  be  the  senior  officer  on  the 
ground.  Our  force,  engaged,  might  have  reached  16 
or  1700  men;  but  actually  did  not  exceed  1800;- 
that  of  the  enemy  was  estimated  from  1200  to  2O00, 
but  probably  did  not  amouqt  to  more  than  15  or  1600 
—consisting,  as  I  am  informed,  of  detachments  from 
the  49th,  84th,  and  104th  regiments  of  the  line  ;  with 
three  companies  of  the  Voltigeur  and  Glengary  corps, 
and  the  .militia  of  the  country,  who  are  not  included  in 
the  estimate.  I 

It  would  be  presumptuous  in  me  to  attempt  to  giFel 


^^^JAi^ 


K  '     *.  ;-*5' •**•»*.-, 


149 

I  T  ^f  "^h-^ilf  ^*'''°""*  °^  **>»«  afla"»  which  certainly 
reflects  high  honor;on  the  valor  of  the  American  soN 
d.er ;  as  no  examples  can  be  produced  of  undSined 
men,  with  inexperienced  officers,  braving  a  fir"of  two 
hours  and  a  half,  without  quitting  the  field  or  vie  HW 
to  their  antagonists  But?  sir,  the  inforlbn^^  „o| 
give  you,  IS  derived  from  officers  in  my  confidenc^ 
who  «ok  parts  in  this  conflict;  for,  though  I  was  ena- 

'Kli:  t:.tad'th?r''''  r  ^y  *^-^  feinrnouo 
I    1    J  uf     ^^^  ^^"""^^^  '  commanded;  the  disease 

irvT^LTr;""'^^  '"^^  2^  September,  oTry 
journey  to  tort  George,  having,  with  a  few  short  inter- 
Fa  s  of  convalescence,  preyed  on  me  ever  since    and 
at  he  moment  of  this  action,  I  was  confined  "my  bed 
and  emaciated  almost  to  a  skeleton;  unable  to^siton 
h^  t^Tu'  *^  ""T  *""  1^"^^«  ^^>thout  assistance. 
ilTfL  ^''^'^^'*'  *^  P^^doned  for  Irespassing  on  your 
ime  a  few  remarks,  in  relation  to  the  affair —the  X 
Fcts  of  the  Briti^Bh  and  American  colanders  weit 
precisely  opposed-the  last  being  bound  by  ins  ruc^ 
ons  of  his  government,  and  the  most  solemn  obliga- 
tions of  duty,  to  precipitate  his  descent  of  the  St  S- 
2trl^  ^-""^f  Pf ^^«^^We  means  ;  because,  this  being 
elfected,  one  of  the  greatest  difficulties  opposed  to  thi 
American  arms  would  be  surmounted— and  the  first 
by  duties  equally  imperious,  to  retard,  and  if  oossibTe 
to  prevent  such  descent.     He  is  to  b^  acco»rd  rfe 
lonous,  who  efTects  his  purpose!    The  British  com- 
mnder,  having  failed  to  gain  either  of  his  objects,  can 

IITa  i"J^^^^^  ^T''  ^^^^^  '^"^y-'  <*^e  battle  flue- 
It  ated  and  the  triumph  seemed,  at  different  times,  in- 
Iclined  to  the  contending  corps  ;  the  front  of  the  ene- 
my were  at  first,  forced  back  more  than  a  mile  ;  and, 
1  ough  they  never  regained  the  ground  they  lost,  thei^ 
s  and  was  permanent,  and  their  charges  resolute. 
Amidst  hese  charges,  and  near  the  close  of  the  con- 
test, we  lost  a  field  piece,  by  the  fall  of  the  officer,  who 
was  serving  il  with  the  same  coolness,  as  if  he  had  been 

\L\FZ     rn   '^""T '  •^^''  ^^'  J-ieutenant  Smith,  of 
(he  light  artillery,  who,  in  point  of  merit,  stood  at  the 


» 


m 


#\ 


k<-  5 


'LIJ' 


ISO 


4 


f  ■ 


head  of  his  grade.  The  enemy  having  halted,  and  our 
troops  being  formed  again,  in  battalion,  front  to  front, 
dnd  the  firing  having  ceased  on  both  sides,  we  resumed 
our  position  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  the  infantry 
being  much  fatigued,  the  whole  were  re-embarked,  and 
proceeded  further  down  the  river,  without  fnilher  an- 
noyance from  the  enemy  or  their  gun-boats — while 
the  dragoons,  with  five  pieces  of  light  artillery,  march- 
fid  down  the  Canada  shore,  without  molestation. 

It  is  due  to  his  rank,  to  his  worth,  and  his  services, 
that  I  should  make  particular  mention  of  Brig.  Gen, 
Covington,  who  received  a  mortal  wound  directly 
through  the  body,  while  animating  his  men,  and  lead- 
ing them  to  the  charge — he  fell,  where  he  fought,  at 
the  head  of  his  men,  and  survived  but  two  days. 

The  next  morning  the  flotilla  passed  the  Saut,  and 
joined  that  excellent  officer.  Brig.  Gen.  Brown,  at 
*Barhhart's,  near  Cornwall,  where  he  had  been  instnict-l 
ed  to  take  post,  and  wait  my  arrival ;  and  where  1  con- 
fidently expected  to  hear  of  Maj.  Gen.  Hampton's  ar- 
rival, on  the  opposite  shore.  But,  imm»?diately  after  ll 
halted.  Col.  Atkinson,  the  Inspector-General  of  the  di- 
vision under  Maj.  Gen.  Hampton,  waited  on  me,  witbl 
a  letter  from  that  officer ;  in  which,  to  my  unspeaka- 
ble mortification  and  surprize,  he  declined  the  junction! 
ordered,  and  informed  me  he  was  marching  towards 
Lake  Champlain,  by  way  of  co-operating  in  the  pro- 
posed attack  on  Montreal.  This  letter,  together  with 
a  copy  of  that  to  which  it  was  an  answer,  were  immedi- 
ately submitted  to  a  Council  of  War,  consisting  ofmyl 
general  officers,  and  the  Colonel  commanding  the  elite, 
the  chief  engineer,  and  the  Adjutant-General— who 
unanimously  gave  it  as  their  opinion  "  that  the 
attack  on  Montreal  should  be  abandoned  for  the 
present  season,  and  the  army  near  Cornwall  should! 
be  immediately  crossed  to  the  American  shore,  foi 
taking  up  winter  quarters ;  and  that  this  place  afford 
ed  an  eligible  situation  for  such  quarters." 

I  acquiesced  in  those  opinions,  not  from  the  short- 
ness of  the  stock  of  provisions,  (which  had  been  redu- 
ced by  the  acts  of  God,)  because  that  of  our  meat  hadl 


Frm 


sm-.i 

Secretary  ( 
and  ill  heal 
|place,and  ( 
linffton,  froi 
1  am  desi 


t    n 


■;^^ 


1:^ 


^       * 


151 

be«n  increased  five  days,  and  our  bread  had  been  re. 
duced  onJv  two  days;  and,  because  we  could  i^ca^; 

the  loss  oi  JVJaj.  Gen.  Hampton  weakened  my  force  too 

hensibly,  to  justify  the  attempt.    In  all  my  measuree 

and  movements  of  moment,  I  have  taken  tVopTS 

\iyZl  ''^"''''  ""^'^^  *^^""*^^*^"  inacco?dTilh. 

1  remained  on  the  Canada  shore  until  the  next  dav 

wit  out  seem^  or  hearing  from  the  "  pow^rfi^  for^^? 

ofthe  enemy  ,n  our  neighborhood,  and    he  same  d^y 

jached  this  position,  wfth  the  artillery  and  infantrT 

The  dragoons  have  been  ordered  to  Utica,  aid  it"  v^ 

[mch.  ^''^^''^'  ^"^  ^^  ^"  ^^  i«il^  on  thii 

liif 3"  *^2^®'  ""?^*'  ^^^^^*  *  summary  abstract  of  the 
Wed  and  wounded,  in  the  affair  of  the  Ilth  instanL 
w  ,ch  shall  soon  be  followed  by  a  particular  retSrLi^ 
w  .ch  a  just  regard  shall  be  paid  to  individual  merits 
-the  dead  rest  m  honor, and  the  wounded  bled  forSr 
Icountry,  and  deserve  its  gratitude. 

With  perfect  respect,  &c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 

ImlV^f  5*'*''*!1 1*^®  "*^  ^"^*-  *he  American  loss  was 
1 334     '  wounded-total,  killed  and  wound- 


THE  PROPOSED  JUNCTION. 

JiV#m  Oeneral  Wilkinson,  to  General  Hampton. 

H.  Q.  ofthe  Army,  7  miles  above  Ogdensbureb 
Not.  6,  1 8 13.  (in  the  evening.) 

Sm-,1  address  you  at  the  special  instance  of  the 

fc^K^uu^^'^'y*'^'  ^y  ^^^  ^°«*^«»  ^^«^««  weather, 
la  d  ill  health,  was  diverted  from  meeting  me,  near  this 

lplace,and  dctermmed  to  tread  back  his  steps  to  Wasli- 

linffton,  from  Antwerp,  on  the  29th  ult. 

I  Cam  destined  to,  and  determined  on  the  attack  of 


152 

Montreal,  if  not  prevented  by  some  act  of  God ;  and 
to  give  security  to  the  enterprize,  the  division  under 
your  command  must  co-operate  with  the  corps  under 
niy  immediate  orders.     The  point  of  rendezvous  is  the 
circumstance  of  greatest  interest  to  the  issue  of  this 
operation ;  and  the  distance  which  separates  us,  and  my 
ignorance  of  the  practicability  of  the  direct  or  devious 
routes,  by  which  you  must  march,  make  it  necessary 
that  your  own  judgment  should  determine  that  point 
To  assist  you  m  making  the  soundest  determination 
and  to  take  the  most  prompt  and  determined  measures 
I  can  only  inform  you  of  my  intentions  and  situation' 
«i  some  respects  of  first  importance  :— I  shall  pass 
PrescOtt  to-night,  because  the  stage  of  the  season  will 
not  allow  me  three  days  to  take  it—shall  cross  the  ca- 
valry  at  Hamilton,  which  will  not  require  a  day  ;-I 
shall  thence  press  forward,  and  break  down  every  op.  j 
position,  to  this  river,  there  to  cross  the  Isle  Perrot 
and,  with  my  scows,  to  bridge  the  narrow  inner  chan' 
nel,  and  thus  obtain  foothold  on  Montreal  Island,  at 
about  20  miles  from  the  city ;  after  which,  our  artille- 
ry, bayonets,  and  swords,  must  secure  our  triumph,  or  i 
provide  us  honorable  graves. 

Inclosed  you  have  a  memorandum  of  field  and  bai- 1 
tering  train,  pretty  well  found  in  fixed  ammunition 
which  may  enable  you  to  dismiss  your  own;  but  we 
are  deficient  in  loose  powder,  and  musquet  cartridges 
and,  therefore,  hope  you  may  be  abundantly  found! 

On  the  subject  of  provisions,  I  wish  I  could  give  a 
favorable  information ;  our  whole  stock  of  bread  mav 
be  computed  at  about  15  days,  and  our  meat  at  20.  In 
speal^ing  on  this  subject  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  he  i 
informed  me,  ample  magazines  were  laid  up  on  Lake 
Champlain,  and,  therefore,  I  must  request  of  you  to 
order  forward  two  or  three  months  supply,  by  the  safest 
route,  in  a  direction  to  the  proposed  scene  of  action. 
I  have  submitted  the  state  of  our  provisions  to  my  ge- 
neral officers,  who  unanimously  agree  that  it  should  | 
not  prevent  the  progress  of  the  expedition;  and  they 


t»i 


•>■  .•■n.f-'.i. 


153 

also  agree  in  opinion, 'if  vou  am  »«♦  •    r 

enemv,  you  should  meet  us  at  St  R    '"  ^""'^  *^.  ^«^«  *^« 

I  sM  expect  to  hear  from  if  n  ^  ^"'  ^^  '*'  ^'^""*7- 
on  the  9th.  '^  ^'*'"'  '^  "*** «««  7^"  at  that  pla, 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Mas,  Gen.  Hampton,  ^^^^^  WILKINSON. 


place, 


ANSWER. 

From  Gen.  Hampton  to  Gen.  WiUcinson. 

SIR    uZ'TT''  ^'"  ''"""^^  ^^^-  «'  ^«»3. 
felK—l  had  the  honor  to  receive   at  a  !.♦    k 

b%  it  imp|4  orri^'trtrml^^^^^^^ 

opation.  The  idea  suffeesteS  a.  th^  "  ^"'' *'°- 
olficers,  of  effecting  the  Sion  at  Sf  ^P'^'^"  °^^°"r 
pleasing,  as  bein/most  immpSiL  ^f?''  ^^«  ""ost 
Llosure  of  the  amoTmt  of  vm!  '  r"*'^'  "^""^  *«  the 
Col.  Atkinson  wiire^plarn  Z  '"PP^"'  ?^  P''«visions.- 
rendered  it  impo^WeTr  mf  tVhaT"h'  ^^^'^  "''"^^  ^^- 
each  man  coulS  have  carrS  1  v\  ''°,"^''*  """'^  t^^" 
reflected,  that  in  thrl  „"  "^^^^  ''  ^"^'  ^^en  I 

(should  be  weakenino- vJnTv"  "P°"7°"^,«cant7means, 
Idid  not  hesitate  to  afoDtth^  ^  '  '  ^^^^  vulnerable  point 
pneral  and  pl%T^mtsXT\T^^^^ 
U  on  mj  m*ain  depot,  when  a  1  the  L!^    T^  "^^"^^ 
ation  had  |one,  and^falCupon  the  Trnvf  fllTP^ 
straining  every  effort   to   «,.««  ^.^  "^"^'  ^nd 

indicate  on  the  St  Lawrpnpl    f    i?    u      P^'^*  you  may 


154 

my  is  t6  burn,  and  eonsume  every  thing  in  our  advance. 
My  troops,  and  other  means,  will  be  described  to  you  by 
Col.  Atkinson ;  besides  the  rawness  and  sickness,  they 
have  endured  fatigues,  equal  to  a  winter's  campaign,  in 
the  late  snows  and  bad  weather,  and  are  sadly  dispirited 
and  fallen  off;  but,  upon  this  subject,  I  must  refer  you  to 
Col.  Atkinson. 

With  these  means,  what  can  be  accomplished  by  human 
exertion,  I  will  attempt — with  a  mind  devoted  to  the  ge- 
neral objects  of  the  campaign. 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

W.  HAMPTON. 
His  Ex.  Maj.  Gen.  J.  Wilkinson. 


V. 


Y- 


THE  AFFAIR  AT  WILLIAMSBURGH. 

Gen.  Wilkinson  to  Oen.  Armstrong. 

H.  QuarterSy  French  Mills,  Nov.  18, 1813. 
SIR — I  beg  this  may  be  considered  as  an  appendage 
to  my  official  communication,  respecting  the  action  of  the 
11th  inst.  1  last  evening  received  the  enclosed  iuforma' 
tion,  the  result  of  the  examination  of  sundry  prisoners, 
taken  on  the  field  of  battle  ;  which  justifies  the  opinion  of 
the  surviving  general  officers,  who  were  in  the  engage- 
ment. This  goes  to  prove,  that  though  the  imperious 
obligation  of  duty  did  not  allow  me  sufficient  time  to  route 
the  enemy,  they  were  beaten — the  accidental  loss  of  one 
field-piece  notwithstanding,  after  it  had  been  discharged 
15  or  20  times.  I  have  also  learned,  from  what  is  con- 
sidered good  authority,  (but  I  will  not  vouch  for  the  cor- 
rectness of  it,)  that  the  enemy's  loss  exceeded  500,  killed 
and  wounded.  The  enclosed  report  will  correct  an  error 
in  my  former  communication :  as,  it  appears,  it  was  the 
39th,  and  not  the  84th  British  regiment,  which  was  en- 
gaged on  the  11th.  I  beg  leave  to  mention,  relative  to  i 
the  action  of  the  11th,  what,  from  my  extreme  indisposi- 
tion, I  have  omitted  : — having  received  information,  late  | 
in  the  day,  that  the  .contest  had  become  somewhat  dubi- 


HAMPTON. 


155 

ous,  I  ordered  up  a  reserve  of  600  men,  whom  I  had  di- 
reeled  to  stand  by  the.r  arms,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Upham, 
who  gallantly  led  them  into  action,  which  terminated  a 
lew  mmutes  alter  their  arrival  on  the  ground. 
With  consideration,  &c. 

u      1  J      s  a     ..r    ^^^^S  WILKINSON. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War. 

The  strength  of  the  enemy,  according  to  the  statement 
of  a  number  of  British  pnsone,^,  taken  Sn  the  field  of  bat- 
tle, (and  separately  examined,)  was  2,100  men-4  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  7  gun-boats,  one  mounting  a  24  pounder 


X. 


AFFAIR  AT  CHATAUGAY. 


C(^!f  of  a  letter  from  Oeneral  Wade  Hampton,  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated  ^^ 

H.  Quarters,  Four  Corners,  Nov.  1. 1 813. 
SIR--On  the  morning  of  the  21st  ult.  the  army  com- 
menced Its  movement  down  the  Chataugay,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  placing  itself  in  a  situation  which  would  enable  it 
to  fulfil  Its  parts  of  the  proposed  combined  operations,  on 
the  St.  Lawrence, 

An  extensive  wood,  of  11  or  12  miles  in  front,  blocked 
up  with  felled  timber,  and  covered  by  the  Indians  and 
fight  troops  of  the  enemy,  was  a  serious  impediment  to 
the  arduous  task  of  opening  a  road  for  the  artillery  and 
stores.     Brig.  Gen.  Izard,  with  the  light  troops,  and  one 
regiment  of  the  line,  was  detached,  early  in  the  morning 
to  turn  these  impediments  in  flank,  and  to  seize  on  the 
more  open  country  below ;  while  the  army,  preceded  by 
a  strong  working  party,  advanced  on  a  more  circuitous 
but  practicable  route  for  a  road.     The  measure,  as  will 
be  seen  by  the  report  of  Brig.  Gen.  Izard,  which  I  have 
the  honor  to  enclose,  completely  succeeded ;  and  the  main 
body  of  the  army  reached  the  advanced  position,  on  the 
evening  of  the  22d ;  the  23d  and  24  th  were  employed  in 
completing  the  road,  and  getting  up  the  vtifiery  and 
stores. 


1^ 

» 

I  haa  aiTanged,  at  my  departure,  under  the  direction  of 
Major  Parker,  a  line  ol  communication,  as  far  up  tiie  St. 
Lawrence  as  Ogdensburgh,  for  the  purpose  of  hastening 
to  me  the  earliest  notice  of  the  progress  of  our  army  down. 
I  had  surmounted  24  miles  of  the  most  difficult  part  of 
the  route,  and  had,  in  advance  of  me,  seven  miles  of  open 
country  J  but,  at  the  end  of  that  distance,  commenced  a 
wood  of  some  miles  in  extent,  which  had  been  formed  in- 
to  an  entire  abattis,  and  filled  by  a  succession  of  wooden 
breast-works,  the  rearmost  of  which  were  supplied  with 
ordnance.  In  front  of  these  defences  were  placed  the  In- 
dian force,  and  liffht  corps  of  the  enemy  ;  and,  in  the  rear, 
all  of  his  disposable  force.  As  the  extent  of  this  force 
depended  upon  his  sense  of  danger  on  the  &i.  T  -awrence, 
it  was  a  cause  of  regret  that  all  communication,  from 
yourself  or  Major  Parker,  seemed  to  be  at  an  end.  As  it 
was,  however,  believed  that  the  enemy  was  hourly  adding 
to  his  strength,  in  this  position — if  free  from  the  appre- 
hension  of  danger  from  above,  an  effort  was  judged  ne- 
cessary to  dislodge  him  ;  and,  if  it  succeeded,  we  should 
be  in  possession  of  a  position  which  we  could  hold  as  long 
as  any  doubts  remained  of  what  was  passing  above,  and 
of  the  real  part  to  be  assigned  us. 

Our  guides  assured  us  of  a  shoal  and  practicable  ford- 
ing-place,  opposite  the  lower  flank  of  the  enemy's  de- 
fences ;  and  that  the  wood,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  a  distance  of  seven  or  eight  miles,  was.  practicable 
for  the  passage  of  the  troops.  Col.  Purdy,  with  the  light 
corps,  and  a  strong  body  of  infantry  of  the  line,  was  de- 
tached,  at  an  early  hour  of  the  night  of  the  25th,  to  gain 
this  ford  by  the  morning,  and  to  commence  his  attack  in 
the  rear ;  and  that  was  to  be  the  signal  for  the  army  to 
fall  on  in  front — and,  it  was  believed,  the  pass  might  be 
carried,  before  the  enemy's  distant  troops  could  be  brouo-ht 
forward  to  its  support.  ° 

I  had  returned  to  my  quarters,  from  Purdy's  column, 
about  9  o'clock  at  night,  when  I  found  a  Mr.  Baldwin,  of 
the  Quarter-Master  General's  department,  who  put  into 
my  hands  an  open  paper,  containing  instructions  to  him, 
from  the  Quarter-Master  General,  respecting  the  building 


157 

«1  huts  for  the  army,  i„  Chataugay,  below  the  lino    Tl  • 
papersunk  my  hopes,  and  raised  ser^noubJorrJ"" 
uigthat  efficacious  support  which  .^7' '^^^^^^ o^receiv- 

I  vvould  have  recaJIed'tL  coTuto,  "u  it'wa"  "  f^T^"^' 
and  the  darkness  of  the  nitrhi  r«n^       i  •    •       Motion— 

I  could  o„i,  fo  wrte-^t;:^  ■:  Tr'^f  *• 

»  the  momjng  o[  the  26.h,  h.y2Tbaf'^  Z"^ 
the  ground  of  encampment.  "^'SK^ge  &,c.  on 

On  advancing  near  the  enemy,  it  was  found  ih  *  ,u 
column,  on  the  opposite  side  wa^  n!!*       /•        ?  *"®*  ^^^ 

y  been  anticipaffi  the t 'ides  l?«  "'  "'^  ?^*'""^«^  «« 
Wailed  in  findL  the  ford^    W  '^^^,?'«'«^  '*'  and  final- 

U  it,  but  on ly^aw^ed  1L  YJ'  Tilr'  ^°'»'«"nicate 
»'clockthe  firinVcomnl^rlnH  ^^r-  ^*^«"*  *^o 
spicily  to  the  aS;"The  'eremy^rii' h^^^^  ^'^^^^ 
fenced  a  sharp  fire,  but  Br  ^  f?!^     T  j  ^^^P^  «om. 

ysbri.ade--dfovehime3w^^^^^^^^ 
Ld  sirenocd  the  fire  in  hll^fZT  TW    t^'' ^^^^''''^'* 
ave  pushed  forward,  as  ft  as  ^la.!,'  LlW  "°"^' 
ranee  could  have  carried  it  •  but  'fo^' ^/""  ^P<^  P^rseve- 
o.nd  that  the  firing  had  clmenceSoniT'^^^       ^«« 
d  tlie  ford  had  not  been  Sd      t.      "PP"'"*^  «'^«' 
Lhind  his  defences;  bu^TrS  ofl IX^w:^^^^^^ 
^cted,  and  the  troops  remained  some  t  me  n  ttl    ^''' 
ton  to  meet    t.     The  tmnna   «r,  X      "™®.'"  *neir  posi- 

U  and  Cof  PuAly  w3erdto  iltTw'hir" 
U  to  a  shoal,  four  ox-  five  miles  aboverand  crl '  "?" 

u  place  L  bagprdtl:rif:t.r' '" 

kct,  thV presumed  not  tJv  n  S'rea  hot^ST* 
U,  movement,  but  the  u„^,„,eXrof  „ t  Z 
U,P  ~"?»»nd  exposed  Sim  to  a  rear  atlH  (^^ 
fc  Indians,  which  was  repeated  after  daii  »nrf  „!:    j 


I  i 


1 


i       t 


Pii 


'*,   .  ' 


158 

ceed  50.     In  its  new  position,  within  three  miles  of  the 
enemy's  post,  tlie  army  encamped  on  the  night  of  the  26tli, 
and  remamed  until  12  o'clock  of  the  28th.     All  the  de- 
sertera,  of  whom  there  were  four,  having  concurred  in  the 
information  that  Sir  George  Frevost,  with  three  other  ge- 
neral  officers,  had  arrived,  with  the  whole  of  his  disposa- 
ble force,  and  lay  in  the  rear  of  these  defences ;  and  a 
letter  from  Major  Parker,  (by  express,  received  on  the 
evening  of  the  26th,)  having  informed  me  that  no  move- 
ments  of  our  army,  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  had  been 
heard  of  at  Ogdensburgh,  and  for  some  distance  above. 
The  following  Questions  were  submitted  to  the  command- 
ing  officers  of  brigades,  regiments  and  corps,  and  the 
heads  of  the  general  staff,  in  a  council,  convened  for  the 
purpose  :— "  Is  it  advisable,  under  existing  circumstances, 
to  renew  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  position  ;  and,  if  not, 
what  position  is  it  advisable  for  the  army  to  take,  until  it 
can  receive  advices  of  the  advance  of  the  grand  army  down] 
the  St.  Lawrence  .^"     The  opinion  of  the  council  was  ex- 
pressed in  the  following  words : — "  It  is  the  unanimous! 
opinion  of  this  council,  that  it  is  necessary,  for  the  pre-[ 
servation  of  this  army,  and  the  fulfilment  of  the  ostensible! 
views  of  the  government,  that  we  immediately  return,  bTj 
orderly  marches,  to  such  a  position,  (Chataugay,)  as  will 
secure  our  communications  with  the  U.  States,  either  tol 
retire  into  winter  quarters,  or  to  be  ready  to  strike  below."| 
In  pursuance  of  this  opinion,  the  army  has  returned,  bjl 
frlow  marches,  to  this  place,  and  now  awaits  the  orders  of  I 
the  government.     Its  condition  will  be  stated  by  the  bear-f 
er.  Col.  King,  who  can  j^ive  you,  upon  every  point,  morel 
full  and  perfect  information,  than  could  be  contained  in  a| 
written  detail. 


r'ii  A  if  1m 


I  have  the  honor,  &c. 


W.  HAMPTON. 


m 


Hon.  J.  Armstrongy  Sec.  War. 


^ 


1^9 
VICTORY  OVER  THE  CREEKS 

SIR-I  h«v«  fh^'.^"  '''"''  ^^'trong,  Nm,.  28,  1813. 

Ihc  Hillibee  Towns.  ^  '^^^'^  ^^  '^'^  ^^''^^''^'on  to 

I  am,  &c.  V 

JOHN  COCKE,  Major-Genernl 

GEN.  WHITE'S  REPORT. 
DEAR  GENFRAT^T'  ^r""'7«f»  -^ov.  24//i,  1813. 

have  now  the  honor  to  Rif^it^    tKo*        V  promise,  J 

.tfanlry  under  the  immediL  command  rf  Cd  "'Burrh'' 
lb  cavalry,  under  the  command  of  Maior  P„«  t ' 

few  of  .ha  Cherokee  Indians,  under  fcrnaT/if^Cof 

c.«s,.tmg  of  93  houses ,  thenee  "leZ^A  t  N^' 
Captoa,  consisting  of  about  25  housc^wS  I  co„sWe7 
U II  most  prudent  not  to  destroy,  as  it  rai^ht  1"^  hi 
lofuse  at  some  future  nprm^J  t>  ^.l  ^  possiojy  be 
In  thn  H:ii:r  r^  period.  I  rom  thence  we  marched 
10  the  Hil  ibee  Town,  consistinjr  of  about  20  houses  «?? 

>al  at  that  place,  I  was  advised  that  a  part  of  the  hostnl 
Creeks  was  assembled  there.     Havin^f  marched  w^ 
-  or  seven  mdes  of  it,  on  the  ,7th,  I  dismountd  apt 
¥  the  force  under  my  command,  and  sent  them.ln^der 


'  |ii 


160 


i   *; 


V 


the  command  of  Col.  Burch,  with  the  Gherokees,  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Morgan,  in  advance,  to  surround  the 
town  in  the  ni^ht,  and  make  the  attack  at  daylight,  on 
the  I8th.     Owmg  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  town 
was  not  reached  until  after  daylight — but  so  complete  was 
the  surprize,  that  we  succeeded  in  surrounding  the  town, 
and  killing,  and  capturing  almost  (if  not  entirely)  the 
whole  of  the  hostile  Creeks  assembled  there,  consisting 
of  about  316,  of  which  number  about  60  warriors  were 
killed  on  the  spot,  and  the  remainder  niade  prisoners.— 
Before  the  close  of  the  engagement,  my  whole  force  was 
up,  and  ready  for  action,  had  it  become  necessary ;  but, 
owing  to  the  want  of  knowledge,  on  the  part  of  the  In- 
dians,  of  our  approach,  they  were  entirely  killed  and 
taken  before  they  could  prepare  for  any  effectual  defence. 
We  lost  not  one  drop  of  blood  in  accomplishing  this  enter- 1 
prize.     We  destroyed  this  village ;  and,  in  obedience  to 
your  orders,  commenced  our  march  for  this  post,  which 
"we  were  unable  to  reach  until  yesterday.     I  estimate  the 
distance,  from  this  to  Grayson's  farm,  at  about  100  miles. 
The  ground  over  which  we  travelled,  is  so  rough  and 
hilly  as  to  render  a  passage  very  difficult.     Many  defiles 
it  was  impossible  to  pass  in  safety,  without  the  greatest 
precaution.     For  a  part  of  the  time,  the  weather  was  so 
very  wet,  being  encumbered  with  prisoners,  and  the  troops, 
and  their  horses  having  to  subsist,  in  a  very  great  degree. 
upon  such  supplies  as  we  could  procure  in  the  nation, 
rendered  our  march  more  tardy  than  it  otherwise  would 
have  been. 

The  troops  under  my  command  have  visited  the  heart 
of  that  section  of  the  Cfreek  niition  where  the  Red  Sticks! 
were  first  distributed. 

In  justice  to  this  gallant  band,  I  am  proud  to  state,  that  I 
the  whole  of  the  officers  and  men,  under  the  command  of  I 
Col.  Burch,  performed  their  duty  cheerfully,  and  without  | 
complaint — that  from  the  cool,  orderly  ancf  prompt  man- 
ner m  which  Major  Porter,  and  the  cavalry  under  his  com- 
mand, formed  and  conducted  themselves  in  every  case  of  I 
alarm,  I  had  the  highest  confidence  in  them.    Col.  Mor- 
gan, and  the  Cherokees  under  his  command,  gave  unde< 


161 

assure  you  that  thpv  nr«  ^o«  ui      i-      ^   "*  enable  me  to 

..  himself  highl^'^h™„I:^e  """""'•^  '^'"^  "^^f"''  -"■ 

'  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

M«;»r  Ge^  John  Cocke.    '^^^  "^"'T^^'  B"^-  G^«- 

GEN.  FLOYD'S  VICTORY  OVER  THE  CREEKS. 

Head-amrters,mh  and  7,1,  dis/ricts. 

SiR-I  have  the  honor  „/''''f'^f  ««'"'-  «A  C«.  1813. 

Hie  official  account  wWoh  1 1?""S  '"  7°"  "  «°Py  of 

gadier-GenSFWd   of  »n    H^T  'T'^  ''■■<»»«'•!- 

Lie  Indians  andT„celrvco"lr.''''  ^^  ^'""  ""  *« 

I »  the  good  oo'nduct  and  bCrrite""'  T^"'"''^ 

«  b,  the  officers  and  troo^lfffr  r^Tot 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
His  excellency  Pccr  Early.     '^^^^^^  PINCKNEY. 


r 


\r 


I' 


[^"c.^^lct^.ttr^irf:^^^^^^^^^ 

Talapoosw  river,  between  part  ff  tl  .  f         ""j™  "'^ 
»™nand  and  a  large  bodySe  Ct^ek  /nZ  ""''"''  ""^ 

■  A 


iiMiin''-i»' 


i:^^^' 


J 


* 


r 


i;  J  I 


%  I 


A      'S 


162 

Hickory-ground,  and  twenty  above  the  junction  of  that 
river  with  the  Coosa,  1  proceeded  to  it  with  950  of  the 
Georgia  militia,  accompanied  by  between  3  and  400 
friendly  Indians.  Having  encamped  within  nine  cr  ten 
miles  of  the  point  of  destination  the  preceding  evening,  we 
resumed  the  march  a  few  minutes  before  one  on  the  morn. 
ing  of  the  29th,  and  at  half  past  six  were  formed  for  ac- 
tion  in  front  of  the  town. 

Booth's  battalion  composed  the  risht  column,  and  march. 
ed  from  its  centre.  Watson's  battsdion  composed  the  left, 
and  marched  from  its  right;  Adams'  rifle  company,  and 
Merriwether's  under  Lieutenant  Hendon,  were  on  the 
flanks ;  Captain  Thomas'  artillery  marched  in  front  of  the 
right  column  in  the  road. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  completely  surrounded  the 
enemy,  by  appuying  the  right  wing  of  my  force  oii  Can- 
lehce  creek,  at  the  mouth  of  which  I  was  informed  the 
town  stood,  and  resting  the  left  on  the  river  bank  below 
the  town ;  laut  to  our  surprise,  as  day  dawned,  we  per- 
ceived a  second  town  about  five  hundred  yards  below  that 
which  we  had  first  viewed,  and  were  preparing  to  attack. 
The  plan  was  immediately  changed — three  companies  of 
infantry  on  the  left  were  wheeled  to  the  left  into  ccAe//wi, 
and  were  advanced  to  the  low  town,  accompanied  by  Me 
riwethcr's  rifle  company,  and  two  troops  of  light  dragoons 
under  the  command  of  captains  Irwin  and  Steele. 

The  residue  of  the  force  approached  the  upper  town 
and  the  battle  soon  became  general.  The  Indians  pre 
sented  themselves  at  every  point,  and  fought  with  the  des 

Cerate  bravery  of  real  fanatics.  The  well  directed  fire 
owever,  of  the  artillery,  added  to  the  charge  of  the  bay 
onet,  soon  forced  them  to  take  refuge  in  the  out  houses 
iliickets,  and  copses  in  the  rear  of  the  town ;  many  it  i 
believed,v  concealed  themselves  in  caves,  previously  lonnei 
for  the  purpose  of  secure  retreat,  in  the  high  bluff  of  th 
river,  which  was  thickly  covered  with  reed  and  brush 
wood.  The  Indians  of  the  friendly  party  who  accompa^ 
uied  us  on  the  expedition,  were  divided  into  four  comj 
panics,  and  placed  under  the  command  of  leaders  of  thei 
own  selection.     They  were,  by  engagement  entered  int 


[Pi 


'  ■>-«»» 


163 

the  day  previous,  to  have  crossed  the  river  above  the  town, 
and  been  posted  on  the  opposite  shore  during  the  action, 
for  the  purpose  of  firing  upon  such  of  the  enemy  as  raight 
atemptto  escape,  or  Jeep  in  check  any  rein/orcements 
which  might  probably  be  tUwn  in  from  the  neighborinff 
towns ;  but  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  the  ford,  and  cold- 
ness of  the  weather,  and  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  this  ar- 
rangement failed,  and  their  leaders  were  directed  to  cross 
Canleebee  creek,  and  occupy  that  flank,  to  prevent  es- 
capes from  the  Talhsee  town.  Some  time  aFter  the  ac- 
tion commenced,  our  red  friends  thronged,  in  disorder,  in 
the  rear  of  our  Imes.  The  Cowetaws?  under  M'Intosh, 
andtheTookabatchians,  under  Mad  Dog's  Son,  fell  on 
our  flanks,  and  fought  with  an  intrepidity  worthy  of  any 

At  9  o'clock  the  enemy  was  completely  driven  from 
he  plain,   and   the  houses  of  both  towns  wrapped  in 
!  iames.     As  we  were  then  60  mil^s  from  any  dfepot  of 
provisions,  and  our  five  days  rations  pretty  much  reduced, 
HI  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country,  which  in  a  few  mo- 
fflents  could  have  poured,  from  its  numerous  towns,  hosts 
of  Its  fiercest  warriors~as  soon  as  the  dead  and  wounded 
were  disposed  of,  I  ordered  the  place  to  be  abandoned,  and 
u  •''TJ''  ?°"»™fnce  their  march  to  Chatahouche. 
t  IS  difficult  to  determine  the  strength  of  the  enemy  ; 
hU  from  the  information  of  some  of  the  chiefs,  which  it  is 
said  can  be  relied  on,  there  were  assembled  at  Autosse, 
warriors  from  eight  towns,  for  its  defence—it  being  their 
teioved  ground,  on  which  they  proclaimed  no  white  man 
cou  d  approach,  without  inevitable  destruction.     It  is  dif- 
I  kult  to  give  a  precise  account  of  the  loss  of  the  enemy ; 
'  but,  irom  the  number  which  were  lying  scattered  over  the 
tield,  together  with  those  destroyed  in  the  towns,  and  the 
I  many  slam  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  which  respectable 
officers  affirm  they  saw  lying  in  heaps  at  the  wateJ-'s  edge, 
where  they  had  been  precipitated  by  their  surviving 
friends,  their  loss,  in  killed,  independent  of  their  wounded, 
I  must  have  been,  at  least,  200,  (among  whom  are  the  Au- 
osse  and  Talhssee  kings,)  and  from  the  circumstance  of 
their  making  no  efforts  to  molest  our  return,  probably 


VWl^ 


„*>? 


,  \n 


v\ 


164 


H.'-.!i 


ill  '^1 
>  i  P'  >  •:  Wh'- 
•    I  &,.    'i  I  '   Itki.    I 


greater.  The  number  of  buildings  burnt,  some  of  a  su- 
perior  order  for  the  dweUing  of  savages,  and  filled  with 
valuable  articles,  is  supposed  to  be  400. 

Adjutant-General  Newman  rendered  important  ser- 
vices during  the  action,  by  his  cool  and  deliberate  courage. 
My  aid.  Major  Crawford,  discharged,  with  promptitude, 
the  duties  of  a  brave  and  meritorious  officer.  Maj.  Pace 
who  acted  as  field-aid,  p!so  distinguished  himself;  both 
these  gentlemen  had  their  horses  shot  under  them,  and 
the  latter  lost  his.  Dr.  Williamson,  hospital  surgeon,  and 
Dr.  Clopton,  were  prompt  and  attentive  in  discharge  of 
their  duty  towards  the  wounded,  during  the  action. 

Major  Freeman,  at  the  head  of  Irwin's  troop  of  cavalry 
and  part  of  Steele's,  made  a  furious  and  successful  charge 
upon  a  body  of  Indians,  sabred  several,  and  completely 
defeated  them.  Captain  Thomas  and  his  company,  Capt. 
Adams,  and  Lieut.  Hendon's  rifle  companies,  killed  a  great 
many  Indians,  and  deserve  particular  praise.  Captain 
Barton's  company  were  in  the  hottest  of  the  battle,  and 
fought  like  soldiers.  Captain  Myrick,  Captain  Little, 
Captain  King,  Captain  Broadnax,  Capt.  Cleveland,  Capt. 
Joseph  T.  Cunningham,  and  Captain  Lee,  with  their  com- 

Eanies,  distinguished  themselves.  Brigade-Major  Shar- 
leford  was  of  great  service  in  '^ringing  the  troops  into 
action  ;  and  Adjutant  Broadnax,  and  Major  Montgomery, 
who  acted  as  Assistant-Adjutant,  shoyved  great  "activity 
and  courage.  Ma,jor  Booth  used  his  best  endeavors  in 
bringing  his  battalion  to  action,  and  Major  Watson's  bat- 
tallion  acted  with  considerable  spirit.  Irwin's,  Patterson's 
and  Steele's  troops  of  cayalry,  whenever  an  opportunity 
presented,  charged  with  success.  Lieutenant  Strong  had 
his  horse  shot,  and  narrowly  escaped ;  and  Quarter-mas- 
ter Tennal  displayed  the  greatest  heroism,  and  miracu- 
lously escaped,  though  badly  wounded,  after  having  his 
horse  shot  from  under  him.  The  topographical  enpneer 
was  vigilant  in  his  endeavors  to  render  service. 

The  troops  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  forti- 
tude, in  enduring  hunger,  cold,  and  fatigue,  without  a 
murmur,  haying  marched  a  hundred  und  twenty  miles,  in 
seven  days. 


ICOl 


165 

.i™aadi„.eIlige„t„ffi:tXbearerSXferrr"; 
can,  more  part  cuIarJv,  exnlain  ♦«  V^  ^^^se  dispatches,) 

1  nave  the  honor,  &c. 

JOHN  FLOYD,  A  G^«,. 

[Gen.  Newman,  flighu/^"^    ^'""^'^  ''""^^^^'  ««^dj. 
LOSS  OF  FORT  NIAGARA 
SIR     T  .   ^;  Quarters,  Buffaloe,  Dec.  22,  1813 

Lt  We-consisti„g7f  Lilt  I^^ Th'  """"u""''  '" 
llleir  way,  undiscovered  ^^.J         ■  .  ?'.' '''«'  "'»<'<= 

Lt  correct  informa^on  Vi^ir'n'™'  ''^'''^'  «■»"'  th- 

l-lL  enemy  rushed  T^nd  3.^       ?P  '"  "'«"-*«^nte 

Ireltotheold  mess-hou'^e,  where'C  W^  aTf/  '" 
Ire  fire  on  the  cnemp,  until  i  w„..  „V  '^  P-  •  "^slmc- 
Veiled  them  to  surriLder     llZ  Lh    ^'"™™"«'»  •'"■n- 

wkrt  Pnw  1  '^  ,  .*  ^f^^^  commanding  officer  of 
liho  24th  regiment,  ,s  killed,  and  it  is  said  three  oS 


166 


y>i'  { 


f' 


You  will  perceive,  sir,  by  the  enclosed  general  orders,  that 
I  apprehended  an  attack,  and  made  the  necessary  arrange. 
ments  to  meet  it ;  but  have  reason  to  believe,  iroin  infor-  j 
mation  received  by  those  who  have  made  their  escape,  j 
that  the  commandant  did  not,  in  any  respect,  comply  with  | 
those  orders. 

On  the  same  morning,  a  detachment  under  Major  Ben- 
net,  stationed  at  Lewistown  Heights,  was  attacked  bjaj 
party  of  savages ;  but  the  Major,  and  his  little  corps,  by 
making  a  desperate  charge,  effected  their  retreat,  afterj 
being  surrounded  by  several  hundred,  with  the  loss  of  six  j 
or  eight,  who  doubtless  were  killed,  among  whom  were! 
two  sons  of  Capt.  Jones,  Indian  interpreter.     The  villagesj 
of  Youngstown,  Lewistown,  Manchester,  and  the  Indianl 
Tuscci  i  ora  village,  were  reduced  to  ashes  ;  and  the  inof-l 
fensive  inhabitants,  who  could  not  escape,  were,  withoutj 
regard  to  age  or  sex,  inhumanly  butchered  by  savacfesJ 
headed  b;    British  officers,  painted.     A  British  officer/ 
who  is  taken  prisoner,  avows,  that  many  small  childieJ 
"were  murdered  by  their  Indians.     Major  Mallory,  whd 
was  stationed  at  Schlosser,  with  about  40  Canadian  vo^ 
lunteers,  advanced  to  Lewistown  Heights,  and  compelle 
the  advanced  guard  of  the  enemy  to  tall  back  to  the  fool 
of  the  mountain  ;  the  Major  is  a  meritorious  officer ;  li( 
fought  the  enemy  two  days,  and  contended  every  inch  op 

f  round  to  the  Tautawanty  creek.  In  these  actions,  Lieulj 
<owe,23d  regiment,  U.  S.  infantry,  and  8  of  the  Cansdiaq 
volunteers,  were  killed.  I  had,  myself,  three  days  prej 
vious  to  the  attack  on  the  Niagara,  left  it  with  a  view  ( 
providing  for  the  defence  of  this  place,  Black  Rock,  and 
the  other  villages  on  this  frontier.  I  came  here  withou 
troops,  and  have  called  out  the  militia  of  Genesee,  Niag 
gara  and  Chatauque  counties,  en  masse. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 


Hon.  J.  Armstrong. 


SIR— 

GEO.  M'CLURE,  Brig.  Gen.  CmM^'^'J^}^^ 

'^  ^is  wholly 


fl»8 


;eneral  orders,  that 


167 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

H.  Quarters,  Fort  Niagara,  Dec  I'iiM-i 
Capt  Leonard  will,  as  soon  as  posShte*  a  po- 
tion oi  hand  grenades,  in  the  diifrent  block-houses  and 
«ve  directions  to  the  officers  of  the  infantry  XreZ^ 
sUld  be  posted,  with  their  men,  in  case  o7an  attack  2 
and,shouicI  hev  not  be  able  to  maintain  the  outworks'^ 
,.pa.r  the  bloci  and  mess-houses  ;  and  have  every  t£w 
arranged  m  such  a  manner,  as  though  he  expected  an  im^ 
mediate  attack.  Much  is  expecte^d  of  Ca^t  wT 
I  ?!?«?  fT  ^""n^r^l  «»d  knowledge  of  cfuty ;  and  the 
General  feels  confident  he  will  be  welllupporte^  by  Capt 
Loomis,ofthe  artiUerv  as  y^eW  as  the  o&rs  of  i4„t,T 
By  order  of  Gen.  M'Clure,  '"aniiy. 

DONALD  FRASER,  Lieut  15tk  Infantry, 

Vol.  Aid-derCamp. 


CAPTAIN  LEONARD. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  M'Clure,  dated. 

«Tx  •  ,    .       ^  Satavia,  Dec.  25,  1813. 

'  It  IS  a  notorious  fact,  that  the  night  on  which  Fort 

Niagara  was  captured,  Capt  Leonard\ft  the  fort  about 

1  o'clock,  P.  ±    I  am  assured  that  he  has  since  given 

iiunself  up  to  the  enemy,  and  that  he  and  hi^  family  arc 

I  BOW  on  the  Canadian  side  of  the  strait."  ^ 

BUFFALOE  DESTROYED. 

From  Major. General  Hall,  to  Governor  Tompkins,  dated 

H.  Q,  Niagara  Frontier,  Dec.  30, 1813. 

aiK---l  have  only  time  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 

\ZfZ'  'V^'  ^^t  •"^*-  ""^  *°  ^^d'  S^^t  this  frontier 

who  Ij  desolate.     The  British  crossed  over,  supported 

by  a  strong  party  of  Indians,  at  a  little  before  day~%ht. 

fills  morning,  near  Black  Rock ;  they  were  met  by  the  mi- 


'"i^ML^ 


168 

litia,  under  my  command,  with  spirit ;  but  Overpower, 
ed  by  numbers  and  discipline  of  the  enemy,  the  militia 
gave  way,  and  fled  on  every  side— every  attempt  to 
rally  them  was  ineffectual.  The  enemy's  purpose  wag 
obtained,  and  the  flourishing  village  of  Buflaloe  laid  in 
ruins.  The  Niagara  frontier  now  lies  open  and  naked 
to  our  enemies ; — your  judgment  will  direct  you  whati 
is  most  proper  in  this  eniergency.  1  am  exhausted 
with  fatigue,  and  must  defer  particulars  until  to-mor- 
row— many  valuable  lives  are  lost. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

A.  HALL,  Maj.  Gen. 


ANOTHER  VICTORY  OVER  THE  CREEKS, 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Brig.  Gen,  Claiborne,  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

Fort  Claiborne,  East  bank  of  Alabama,  85  miles  above 
Fort  Stoddart,  January  Ut,  1814. 

SIR — On  the  1 3th  ult.  I  marched  a  detachment  fron« 
this  post,  with  a  view  of  destroying  the  towns  of  the! 
inimical  Creek  Indians  on  the  Alabama,  above  thel 
mouth  of  Cahaba  ;  [here  the  General  details  the  moveJ 
ments  of  his  troops,  and  adds,]  thirty  of  the  enemyl 
were  killed ;  and,  judging  from  every  appearance,  ma{ 
ny  were  wounded.  The  loss  on  our  p?rt  was  1  corpoJ 
ral  killed;  one  ensign,  two  sergeants,  one  corporaj 
and  two  privates,  wounded.  We  destroyed  their  townl 
(Eccancacha,)  consisting  of  200  houses,  and  one  other] 
town  of  60  houses.         I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

F.  L.  CLAIBORNE,  B.  Gen.  yolmUersl 
His  Ex.  John  Armstrong. 


i*\ 


il'. 


GALLANT  DEFENCE  AT  FORT  DEFIANCE 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Brig,  Gen.  Floyd,  to  Maj.  Gen.  Pinkney,  ial\ 
Camp  Defiance,  48  miles  west  of  Chatahouche 
January  27,  1814.  . 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  excellencyj 
that,  this  morning,  at  20  minutes  past  5  o'clock,  a  verjf 


169 

larffe  body  of  hostile  Indians  made  a  denerate  af*«.lr 
upon  the  army  under  my  command  ThP!  /  .  ^^*^ 
the  centinels.  fired  upon  the  rand  ^iTh^if*"^  T" 

one  of  the  picket  gu^Xm^feh^p^o^^.T^tt 
bravery,  unlil  the  enemy  gained  his  rear  »„7i^if 
cut  h,8  way  through  them  tf  the  army  "o'  soon  Is  tt 
S,T^  W  *".''"«''  *"  distinguish  ofcieets"  I  orde^d 
Majors  VVatson's  and  Freeman's  batlilions  to  „teel 
p,  at  right  angles,  with  Majors  Booth's  and  CW 
.nd^  battalions ;  the  order  fo^r  the  chaZ  wa"  pr^mol" 

Llr^vo"net"'%T"'^  "1"  '"  everf  dirlXoX 
lore  me  oayonet.     1  he  signa  was  eiven  for  «h*.  r.ha..«^ 

of  the  cavalry    who  pursued  and  sK  fifteen  of  ge 
memy  ;  who  left  37  dead  on  the  field.    From  the  eflu! 
siori,  oi  blood  and  the  number  of  head-dresseTand  w«r 
dubs  found,  in  various  directions,  Ihe^  o  sTnmt  ^^^ 
(.en  considerable  independent  of  the  wounded 

direcedthe  friendly  Indians,  with  Men' wether', 
and  Ford  s  rifle  companies,  accompanied  by  Captain 
Hamilton's  troop,  to  pursue  them*^  through  Cafibee 
e.arnp  where  they  were  trailed  by  their  blood  bu? 
7nT  N^r  overtaking  but  one  ofllheir  wounded. 

Col.  Newman  received  three  balls,  in  the  commence- 
inent  of  the  action  which  deprived  me  of  theTrvS 
f  that  gallant  and  useful  ot&er.  The  Assistant  AdT 
duty  «nH  '"'  r«  J"?^^^^^««We  in  the  discha"ht 
%,and  rendered  important  services;  his  horse  was 
'7"^^^  "nder  him.  The  whole  of  the  stiff  was  pronTDt 
and  discharged  their  duty  with  courage  and  C?  * 
'heir  vigilance,  the  intrepidity  of  the  officers,  and  & 


i 


I'  ^kiifi 


l\K 


\i 


^■i 


170 

ness  of  the  men,  meet  my  approbation,  and  deserre  the 
praise  of  their  country.  I  have  to  regret  the  death  of 
many  of  my  brave  fellows,  who  have  found  honorable 
graves,  in  the  voV^n':  v  support  of  their  country. 

My  aid-de-  lu-,  '  executing  my  orders,  had  bis 
horse  killuii  und*  c  L.m.  Gen.  J^ee  and  Major  Pace, 
who  acted  as  additional  aids,  rendered  me  essential  ser> 
vices,  with  honor  to  themselves,  and  usefulness  to  the 
cause  in  which  they  have  embarked.  Four  waggon 
and  several  other  horses  were  killed,  and  two  of  the  ar- 
tillery horses  were  wounc'^.d.  VVbile  I  deplore  the 
lodses  sustained  on  this  occasion,  I  have  the  consolation 
to  know  that  the  men,  which  I  have  the  honor  to  com- 
mand, have  done  their  duty. 

I,  herewith,  transmit  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded. 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

JOHN  FLOYD,  Brig.  Gen. 

Our  ioss,  in  the  above  action,  was  17  whites,  and  5 
friendly  Indians,  killed — and  132  whites,  and  15  friend- 
ly Indians,  wounded — ^total,  killed  and  wounded,  169. 


PROCEEDINGS  AGAINST  THE  CREEKS. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Oen.  Jackson,  of  the  Teniusset  FolmUert, 
to  Oen.  Pinckney,  dated 

H.  Q.  Fort  Strother,  29th  Jan.  1814. 1 
SIR— -I  had  the  honor  of  informing  you,  in  a  letter 
of  the  31st  ult.  forwarded  by  Mr.  M'Candless,  (express) 
of  an  excursion  I  contemplated  making,  still  further  in 
the  enemy's  country,  with  the  new  raised  volunteers, 
from  Tennessee.    I  had  ordered  those  troops  to  form  a 
junction  with  me,  on  the  10th  instant ;  but  they  did 
not  arrive  until  the  14th.    Their  number,  including 
oflRc  rs,  was  about  800;  and,  on  the  15th,  I  marched! 
them  across  the  river  to  graze  their  horses.    On  the! 
next  day  I  followed,  with  the  remainder  of  our  force-| 
consisting  of  the  artillery  company,  with  one  G  pound- 


'\i 


171 

er,  one  company  of  infantry,  of  48  men,  two  compa- 
mes  of  spies  commaodeu  by  Captains  Go  d.n  and  SSI 
sel.  of  about  30  men  earh,  and  a  company  of  volunt  "er 
officers,  headed  by  Gen.  Coffee,  who  had  been  abandon. 
ed  by  h.8  men,  and  who  still  remained  in  the  fidd 
a«^aitmK  he  orders  of  the  government-makinrmy 
fo";e.  exelusive  of  Indians,  930.  ^     ^ 

JheVrnTo^'h«Tn'^  iVfluenced  me  to  penetrate  stiJl 
further  into  the  enemy's  country,  were  many  and  ur- 
gent--.the  term  of  service,  of  the  new  raised  volunteer^ 
was  short;  and  a  considerable  part  of  it  was  eSed- 
they  were  expensive  to  the  government,  and  weJL  fuil 
ofardortomeettheenemyf  The  ill  effect*  of  keep 
J'^'i^'^Z^'^^^^^^^cripiXon  idle,  and  long  Itiona- 
ry,  I  had  been  made  to  feel  but  too  sensibly  already. 
Other  causes  concurred  to  make  such  a  movement  not 
only  JUS  ifiable    but  absolutely  necessary.    I  had  re- 
eeived  a  letter  from  Capt.  M'Alpin,  of  the  5th  inst.  who 
cormnanded  at  fort  Armstrong^^in  the  absence  of  CoL 
Snodgrass  informing  me  that  14  orl5  towns  of  the  ene 
niv.  situated  on  the  wat.  h  of  the  Talapoosa    were 

't-"h  r\'t^  'Y'l  f^'-^'^^i  «"^  attacking^hat  p7ace 
jhuh  had  been  left  in  a  /erj  feeble  state  of  defence' 
You  had.  in  your  letter  of  the  24th  ult.  informed  me 

ha  Gen.  Floyd  was  about  to  make  a  movement  to  the 
Ullapoose,  near  it*  junction  with  the  Coosee:  and  in 
Ihe  same  letter,  had  recommended  temporary  excur- 
«ons  against  such  of  the  enemy's  towns,  or  settlements, 
as  might  be  withm  striking  distance,  as  well  to  prevent 
my  mt  n  from  becoming  discontented,  as  to  harrass  the 
enemy—your  ideas  corresponded  exactly  with  my 
own;  and  I  was  happy  n  the  cpport unity  of  L»,epinff 
my  men  engaged,  distressing  the  eneniv,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  making  a  diversion  to  facilitate  the  oj.era- 
lionsofGen.  Floyd.  * 

D_  drinined  by  these  and  r  her  considerations,  I  took 

IntMofT^'iflT''^*''  ""^    "f  '7th Jnst;  and,  on  the 
n^htof  the   1 8th^  encamped  at  the  Talladega  fort, 

d\l     InV'^^.^  ^y  heiv^een  2  and  3  0  friendly  In' 
I  flians ;  65  of  vn  aich  were  Cherok  es,the  balance  Creeks 


♦*  I  ; 


w. 


172 


;1'' 


II- 


H«re  I  received  your  letter  of  the  9tli  inst.  staling,  that 
Gen.  Floyd  was  expected  to  make  a  movement  from 
Cowetau,  the  next  day ;  and  that,  in  ten  days  tliereaf. 
ter,  he  would  establish  a  firm  position  at  Tuckabatchee; 
and  also  a  letter  from  Col.  8nod>(ras!!,  who  had  return' 
ed  to  fort  Armstrong,  informing  me  that  an  attack  was 
intended  to  be  soon  made  on  that  fort,  by  900  of  tht 
enemy  :  if  I  could  have  hesitated  betore,  I  could  now 
hesitate  no  longer — I  resolved  to  lose  no  time  in  meet- 
ing this  force,  which  was  understock  to  have  been  col- 
lected from  New  Yorcau,  Oakfuskie,  and  Ufauley 
towns,  and  were  concentrated  in  a  bend  of  the  Talla- 
poose,  near  the  moulh  of  a  creek,  called  Emuckfau, 
and  on  an  island  below  New  Yorcau. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20tb,  your  letter  of  the  lOtb 
instant,  forwarded  by  M'Candless,  reached  me,  at  the 
Hillabee  creek  ;  and  that  night  I  encamped  at  Enolo- 
chapco,  a  small  Hillabee  village,  about  12  miles  from 
Emuckfau.     i^lere  I  began  to  perceive,  very  plainly, 
how  little  knowledge  my  spies  had  of  the  country,  of 
the  situation  of  the  enemy,  or  of  the  distance  f  was 
from  them.     The  insubordination  of  the  new  troops, 
and  the  want  of  skill  in  most  of  their  officers,  also  be- 
came more  and  more  apparent ;   but  their  ardor  to 
meet  the  enemy  was  not  diminished— and  I  had  a  sure 
reliance  upon  the  guards,  and  the  company  of  old  vo- 
lunteer officers,  and  upon  the  spies — in  all  125.    My 
wishes  and  my  duty  remained  united  ;  and  I  was  de- 
termined to  effect,  if  possible,  the  objects  for  which  the 
excursion  had  been  undertaken.— On  the  morning  of 
the  2l8t  I  marched  from  Enotachopco,  as  direct  as  I 
could  for  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoose  ;  and  about  2 
o'clock,  P.  M.  my  spies  having  discovered  two  of  the 
enemy,  pursued,  but  could  not  overtake  them.    In  the 
evening  I  fell  in  with  a  large  trail,  which  led  to  a  new 
road,  much  beaten,  and  lately  travelled.    Knowing 
that  I  must  have  arrived  within  the  neighborhood  of  a 
strong  force,  and  it  being  late  in  the  day,  I  determined 
to  encamp,  and  reconnoitre  the  country  in  the  night: 
I  chose  the  best  scite  the  country  would  admit,  encamp- 


>  .ff 


173 

Ljin  a  hollow  square,  sent  out  my  spies  and  pickets 
doub  ed  ,„y  cent.neli.and  ^^^,  the  necessary  a?  anil 

Lents  for  a  n.ghl  attack.  About  10  o'clock  at  niX. 
oneof  .he  pickets  hred  at  three  of  the  enemy,  and  kHI 

r''.'"V^  .^  ?y''''^.*  **'^  «P^**«'  *^hom  1  had  sent  out 
.turned  w.  h  the  information,  that  there  was  a  arge 
encampment  ot  Indians,  at  the  distance  of  about  hree 

ft  L?.-'  ^'J^V^'^"  ''^'"^P^"^  «"^  <^«"^'i"g'  seemed 
0  be  apprized  of  our  approach.    One  of  these  apiesi 

klTi^V''  ''*'"'"  '  f'^^  '^'•^"t  ccnfidence.  assured 
Biethatt ley  were  carrying  otf  their  women  knd  chil- 
Wn,  and  hat  the  warriors  would  either  make  their  e  - 
cape,  or  attack  me  before  day.    Being  prepared  at  a  1 
^..nts,  nothing  remamed  to  be  done  but  to  await  their 
hpproach  ,f  they  meditated  an  attack;  or  to  be  in  re^ 
ne98,ilthey  did  not,  to  pursue  and  attack  them  atdav- 
m    While  we  were  in  this  state  of  readiness,  the 
\mtny,  about  6  o'clock  in  the  morning,  commenced  a 
f^orous  attack  on  my  left  flank,  whicrwasvigo?Sy 
r  L  i!ft     ?"  ^«"tinued  to  rage  on  my  left  flank,  and 
n  the  left  of  my  rear  for  about  half  an  hour.     The 
bve  Gea  Coffee,  with  Col.  Sittler,  the  Adj.  General! 
Id  Col.  CarroH,  the  Inspector  General,  the  moment 
lite  firing  commenced,  mounted  their  horses  and  repair- 
«l  to  the  line,  encc  -raging  and  animating  their  men  to 
e  performance  of  their  duty.     So  soon  as  it  became 
Jibl  enough  to  pursue,  the  left  wing  having  sustained 
Ik  heat  of  the  action,  and  being  somewhat  weakened, 
l«3  reinforced  by  Capt.  FerrilPs  company  of  Infantry 
land  was  ordered,  and  led  on  to  the  charge  by  General 
blfee  who  was  well  supported  by  Col  rfiggins  and  the 
Inspector  General,  and  by  all  the  officios  and  pr^ 
Irates  who  composed  that  line.     The    enemy  were 
routed  at  every  point ;  and  the  friendly  Indiansloining 
lathe  pursuit  they  were  chased  about  two  miles  wiff 
coDsiderable  slaughter.     The  chase  being  over,  I  im- 
mediately detached  Gen.  Coffee,  with  400  men,  and  Si 
lie  Indian  force,  to  burn  their  encampment ;  but  it  was 
hid,  by  some,  to  be  fortified.    I  ordered  b)im,  in  that 
l»Tent,  not  to  attack  it,  until  the  artiJlery  could  be  sent 


'  T 


•  K\ 


■*  174 

forward  to  reduce  it.    On  viewing  the  encampment 
and  its  strength,  the  General  thought  it  most  prudent  to 
i-eturn  to  my  encampment,  and  guard  the  artilJerr 
thither :  the  wisdom  of  this  step  was  soon  discovered  •  i 
in  hair  an  hour  after  his  return  to  camp,  a  considera'l 
ble  force  of  the  enemy  made  its  appearance  on  my 
right  flank,  and  commenced  a  brisk  lire  on  a  party  of 
men»  who  had  been  on  picket  guard  the  night  before  I 
and  were  then  in  search  of  the  Indians  tliey  had  tired 
upon,  some  of  whom  they  believed  had  been  killed 
Gen.  Coflee  imipediately  requested  me  to  let  him  take 
20Q  men,  and  turn  their  left  flank— which  I  accordingly 
ordered  j  but,  through  some  mistake,  which  1  did  not 
then  observe,  not  more  than  .'^4  followed  him,  among 
whom  were  the  old  volunteer  officers.     With  these, 
however,  he  immediately  commenced  an  attack  on  thel 
left  flank  of  the  enemy,  at  which  time  I  onlered  20o| 
of  the  friendly  Indians  to  fall  in  upon  the  right  tlankl 
of  the  enemy,  and  co-operate  with  the  General.    This 
order  was  promptly  obeyed ;  and,  in  the  moment  of  its 
execution,  what  [  expected  was  realized.    The  enerav 
had  intended  the  attack  on  the  right  as  a  feint ;  and 
expecting  to  direct  all  my  attention  thither,  meant  to 
attack  me  again,  and  with  their  main  force,  on  mv  left 
flank,  which  they  hoped  to  find  weakened  and  in  disor4 
der— they  were  disappointed.     I  had  ordered  the  lefJ 
flank  to  remain  firm  to  its  place  ;  and,  the  moment  II J 
alarm  gun  was  heard  in  that  quarter,  I  repaired  thitlH 
er,  and  ordered  Capt.  Ferrill,  part  of  my  reserve,  (J 
support  it    The  whole  line  met  tiie  enemy  with  asto] 
nishmg  intrepidity ;  and,  having  given  a  few  fires,  they 
forthwith  charged  with  great  vigor;  the  effect  was  mi 
mediate  and  inevitable— the  enemy  fled  with  precipitaj 
tion,  and  were  pursued  to  a  considerable  distance  by 
tlie  left  flank,  and  the  friendly  Indians,  with  a  gal]in2 
and  destructive  fire.     Col.  Carrol,  who  ordered  the, 
charge,  led  on  the  pursuit ;  and  Col.  Higgins  and  his  re] 
giment,  again  distinguished  themselves.     In  the  mearf 
time.  Gen.  Coffee  was  contending  with  a  superior  ford 
of  the  enemy ;  the  Indians,  who  I  had  ordered  to  m 


^...^..i^ —^1  ■'' 


175 

hupport,  and  who  had  set  out  forthia  nni.n,v«»  i,  * 

fVon  the  left,  had  retunTidtt^^Trr^t^^lt 
the  enemy  were  routed,  there  entered  intn  ?K    '  u 
That  being  now  over,  I  forthwithtrredTm  m' 'X 
jasone  of  the  pnnc.pal  commanders  of  the  frienjlv 
r«eks,  wuh  oneliundred  of  his  warriors,  to  execute  mv 
bt  order.     So  soon  as  he  reached  Gen.  Coffee    t^e 
charge  was  made,  and  the  enemy  routed ;  they  ^"'0  pur 
.ed  about  three  miles,  and  45  'of  them 'slainf  ^ho  r'e" 
fo  nd.    Gen.  Coffee  was  wounded  in  the  body,  LThU. 

tners.     Havmg  brought  m  and  buried  the  dpac?    ^^a 
Jessed  the  wounded,' I  ordered  my  clp  to  be IrS^^ 

kht  be  made  ,n  the  night,  determined  to  commence  a 
hturn  march,  to  fort  Strother,  the  next  day;  many  causes 
eoDCurred  to  make  such  a  measure  neces  ary!  as  I  had 
Mt  set  out  prepared  or  with  a  view  to  makTa  perma- 
\ni  estabhshment.    I  considered  it  worse  than  use^es^to 
.dvance,  and  destroy  an  emoty  encampment.     I  hid,  il^ 
I W,  hoped  to  have  met  the  enemy  there-  K„*  K     • 
Lt  and  Wen  them  a  little  sooner?!  i^'otthi^khn? 
«ssary  or  prudent  to  proceed  any  further-not  necessa-" 
7,because  I  had  accomplished  all  I  expected  to  effect 
ty  marchmg  to  their  encampment-and  Ibecause,  if  hwas 
p^per  to  contend  wrth  and  weaken  their  forces  s"  11  far! 
per,  this  object  would  be  more  certaih'y  attained  by  com- 
hencmg  a  return,  which,  having  to  th/m  the  appearance 
0  a  retreat,  would  inspirit  them^o  pursue  me.  Tt  ."u! 
dent-because  of  the  number  of  my  wounded;  of  thoC 
hforcements,  from  below,  which  the  enemy  might  be  ex 
peeled  to  receive;  of  the  starving  condition  of  ly  horses 
Mavmg  nether  had  cane  nor  corn  for  two  Says  and 
jAs ;  of  the  scarcity  of  supplies  for  my  men,  the  Indians 
whojomed  me  at  Talledega  having  drawn  none,  and  be- 
fflg wholly  destitute;  and  beoause,1f  the  enemy  prsued 
K'Vly  *'^ry  ^^ --^^'  the  diversion^  favor^'^f 
L     *^^«rt  ^°!!^^  be  the  more  complete  and  effectual^ 
ir  h^'^^tf  considerations,  t  commenced  my  re- 
ta  inarch  at  half  after  10,  on  the  23d  ins.  and  was  for- 


176 


I'    V 


tunate  enough  to  reach  Enotachopco  l)efore  night,  haying  I 
passed,  without  interruption,  a  dangerous  defile,  occasion- 
ed  by  a  hurricane,    t  again  fortified  my  camp ;  and  I 
having  another  defile  to  pass  in  the  morning,  across  a 
deep  creek,  and  between  two  hills,  which  I  had  viewed 
with  attention  as  I  passed  on,  and  where  I  expected  I J 
might  be  attacked,  I  determined  to  pass  it  at  another  point  I 
and  gave  directions  to  my  guide  and  fatigue-men  accord' j 
ingly.     My  expectation  of  an  attack  in  the  morning  was! 
increased  by  the  signs  of  the  nigtit,  and  with  it  my  cau- 
tion.     Before  I  moved  the  wounded  from  the  interior  of 
my  camp,  I  had  my  front  and  rear  guards  formed,  as  welll 
as  my  right  and  left  columns,  and  moved  ofi*  my  centre  in  j 
regular  order,  leading  down  a  handsome  ridge  to  EnotaJ 
chopco  creek,  at  a  point  where  it  was  clear  of  reed,  ex-l 
cept  immediately  on  its  margin.     I  had  previously  issued! 
a  general  order,  pointing  out  the  manner  in  which  the! 
men  were  to  be  formed,  m  the  event  of  an  attack  on  the 
front  or  rear,  or  on  the  flanks ;  and  had  particularly  cau^ 
t-  med  the  officers  to  halt,  and  form  accordingly,  the  mstanj 
word  should  be  given. 

The  front  gua?  d  had  crossed,  with  part  of  the  flank  co- 
lumns;  the  wounded  were  over,  and  the  artillery  in  tk 
pet  of  entering  the  creek,  when  an  alarm  gun  was  heard 
in  the  rear ;  Iheard  it  without  snrprize — and  even  with, 
pleasure,  calculating  with  the  utmost  confidence  on  thd 
firmness  of  my  troops,  from  the  manner  in  which  1  had! 
seen  them  act  on  the  22d.  I  had  placed  Col.  Carrol  A 
the  head  of  the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard ;  its  right] 
column  was  commanded  by  Col.  Perkins,  and  its  left  by 
Col.  8tump.  Having  chosen  the  ground,  I  expected  there 
to  have  entirely  cut  off"  the  enemy,  by  wheeling  the  n^ 
and  left  columns  on  their  pivot,  re-crossing  the  creeki 
above  and  below,  and  falling  in  uf)on  their  flanks  and  rear] 
But,  to  my  astonishment  and  mortification,  when  the  word 
was  given  by  Col.  Carrol,  to  halt,  and  form,  and  a  few 
guns  had  been  fired,  I  beheld  the  right  and  left  colurana 
of  the  rear  guard  precipitately  give  way ;  this  shamefut 
retreat  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme ;  it  drew  along  wit 
it  tile  greater  part  of  the  centre  column,  leaving  not  mor 


as  a  ramme 


177 

-a  constemation  not  easily  „S  and  »  "' 
faonwhic;.  could  not  easily  bl  „„oX  order  TheT: 
Has  then  left,  to  repulse  the  eneinv  ih^  fll     i.  .™ 

ed  of  the  rear  miarS.  Se  artill^r!^^'  "^  "''?  ''"'«'''- 

Russell's  co,npL„f'sX"^u''{  '=""'P^"^>  »nd.  Captain 

.needed   .ny^uksfr^^ectaSs'^TrritlT' 
,  who  commanded  the  artilJprv  n«,»r,o       •    .1   ^^'^''trong, 

I  Capt.  Deadrict,  (conred'^^r/nZV^r  ted'^h™  tf 

n.iitra'2^:d';*:,,iri'''^'^''-«^^^^^^^^^ 

cannon  were  left  t  ed  to  thp  IlmKo.  F'CKer  ot  the 

faovered    than  Jair,': jiit't ^"^ZrLTf  t 
enemy,  pulled  out  the  ramrod  of  his  musquet  and  .u.H  ! 
.  a  p,cker,  primed  with  a  cartridge,  »S  the  cannon 
Porkms  havng  pulled  off  his  bayonet,  used  ht  musQue; 

.w  nis  former  plan,  again  discharged  her.    The  hr.  J 
L.eu,   Armstrong,  just  after  the  fi?st  fire  of  the  can^n 

kXe'  fellows',  t;^:f"';~tirTjt"  '^  '.if 

cannon."    About  this  time,  aCm"er  Zlei,^  '^ 
hnd  entered  into  the  chase     The  brave  Ca^tGnif/"'"''. 

Set  a,  d'^f  ^1    :,T™V  ^hi^h  •>«  Partially  sue- 
lint  ard  P;!!"  ,'    .      "'2:gms,  and  Captains  EI- 

"Of  and  Pipkms,  pursued  the  enemy  for  more  than  two 


'11  it 


•  ^  r 


178 


miles,  vrlio  fled  in  consternation,  throwing  away  their 

racks,  and  leavinff  26  of  their  warriors  dead  on  the  field, 
should  do  injustice  to  my  teelings  if  I  omitted  to  men- 
tion, that  the  venerable  judge  Cocke,  at  the  age  of  65 
entered  into  the  engagement,  continued  the  pursuit  of  the 
enemy  with  youthful  ardor,  and  saved  the  life  of  a  felloe, 
soldier,  by  killing  his  savage  antagonist. 

In  these  several  engagements,  our  loss  was  20  killed 
and  75  wounded— 4  of  whom  have  since  died.  The  loss 
of  the  enemy  '  annot  be  accurately  ascertained — 189  of 
their  warriors  "  ere  found  dead ;  but  this  must  fall  con- 
siderably short  of  the  real  number  killed — their  wound- 
ed can  only  be  guessed  at. 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ANDW.  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 


ll 


:i       i| 


Si  k 


AFFAIR  ON  THE  RIVER  DE  FRENCH. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Col.  H.  Butler,  to  Gen.  Harrison,  dated 

Detroit,  March  7th,  1814. 

DEAR  SIR— By  Lieut  Shannon,  of  the  27th  regiment 
U.  S.  infantry,  I  have  the  honor  of  informing  you,  that  a 
detachment  of  the  troops,  under  my  command,  led  by 
Captain  Holmes,  of  the  24th  infantry,  have  obtained  a  sig- 
nal victory  over  the  enemy. 

The  affair  took  place  on  the  4th  inst.  about  100  miles  | 
from  this  place,  on  the  river  De  French,     Our  force  con- 
sisted of  no  more  than  160  rangers  and  mounted  infantry.  I 
The  enemy,  from  their  own  acknowledgement,  had  about 
240.     The  fine  light  company  of  Royal  Scots  is  totally  I 
destroyed  ;  they  led  the  attack  most  gallantly,  and  their  j 
commander  fell  within  ten  paces  of  our  front  line.    The  | 
light  company  of  the  89th  has  also  suffered  severely ;  one  I 
officer  of  that  company  fell ;  one  is  a  prisoner,  and  ano- 
ther is  said  to  be  badly  wounded.     In  killed,  wounded, 
and  prisoners,  the  enemy  lost  about  84 ;  whilst,  on  our 
part,  there  were  but  4  killed,  and  4  wounded.    I'he  great 
disparity,  in  the  loss  on  each  side,  is  to  be  attributed  to 


179, 

,he  very  judicious  position  occupied  by  Capt.  Holmes, 
,vho  compelled  the  enemy  to  attack  him  at  great  disad- 
vantage—this, even  more  than  his  gallantry,  merits  the 

Capt.  Holmes  has  just  returned,  and  will  furnish  a  de- 
tailed account  of  the  expedition,  which  shall  immediately 
be  transnutted  to  you.  ^ 

Very  respectfully,  &e. 

H.  BUTLER,  Lt.  Col.  comg.  Detroit. 

The  enemy's  force,  as  stated  by  the  prisoners,  was  256 
men.— There  was  100  head  of  cattle  taken  from  the  ene- 
my, intended  for  Long  Point  or  Burlington. 


EXPEDITION  TO  THE  TALLAPOOSEE. 

I  i:opyofa  letter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson,  to  Maj.  Gen.  PincknoAf,  dated 

On  the  Battle  Ground,  in  the  Bend  of  the  Tallanoosce, 
28th  March,  18K1. 
SIR — I  feel  peculiarly  happy  in  being  able  to  commu- 
nicate to  you  the  fortunate  eventuation  of  my  expedition 
10  the  Tallapoosee.     I  reached  the  bend,  near  Emucfau, 
(called,  by  the  whites,  the  Horse-shoe,)  about  ten  o'clock 
in  the  forenoon  of  yesterday,  where  I  found  the  strength 
of  the  neighboring  towns  collected ;  expecting  our  ap- 
proach, they  had  gathered  in  fvom  Oakfuskee",  Oakcha- 
I  ga,  New  Yauca,  Hillibees,  the  Fish-pond,  and  Eufaulee 
towns,  to  the  number,  it  is  said,  of  1000.     It  is  difficult  to 
to  conceive  a  situation  more  eligible  for  defence,  than  they 
I  had  chosen ;  or  one  rendered  more  secure,  by  the  skill 
with  which  they  had  erected  their  breast-work ;  it  was 
fiom  H  to  8  feet  high,  and  extended  across  the  point  in 
I  such  a  direction  as  that  a  force,  approaching  it,  would  bo 
exposed  to  a  double  fire,  while  they  lay  in  perfect  securi- 
ty behind;  a  cannon,  planted  at  one  extremity,  could  have 
I  raked  it  to  no  advantage. 

Determining  to  exterminate  tljetjj,  I  detached  General 
Coffee,  with  the  mounted  men,  a»  d  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  Indian  force,  early  on  the  Uiciijng  of  yesterday,  to 


tmi 


eross  the  river,  about  two  miles  below  their  encampment 
and  to  surround  the  bend  in  such  a  manner,  as  that 
none  of  them  should  escape,  by  attempting  to  cross  the 
river.     With  the  infantry  I  proceeded  slowly,  and  in  or- 
der,  along  the  point  of  land  which  led  to  the  front  of  their 
breast-work;  having  planted  my  cannon  (one  6  and  one 
3  pounder,)  on  an  eminence,  at  the  distance  of  150  to  200 
yards  from  it,  I  opened  a  very  brisk  fire,  playing  upon  the 
enemy  with  the  musquets  and  rifles,  whenever  they  show- 
ed themselves  beyond  it;  this  was  kept  up,  with  short  in- 
terruptions,  for  about  two  hours,  when  a  part  of  the  In- 
dian  force,  and  Captain  Russell's  and  Lieut.  Bean's  com- 
panics  of  spies,  who  had  accompanied  General  Coffee, 
crossed  over  in  canoes,  to  the  extremity  of  the  bend,  and 
set  fire  to  a  few  of  the  buildings  which  were  there  situa- 
ted ;  they  then  advanced,  with  great  gallantry,  towards 
the  breast-work,  and  commenced  a  spirited  fire  upon  the 
enemy  behind  it.     Finding  that  this  force,  notwithstand- 
ing the  bravery  they  displayed,  was  wholly  insufficient  to 
dislodge  them,  and  that  Gen.  Coffee  had  entirely  secured 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  I  now  determined  to  take 
their  works  by  storm.     The  men,  by  whom  this  was  to  be 
effected,  had  been  waiting  with  impatience  to  receive  their 
order,  and  hailed  it  with  acclamation. 

The  spirit  which  animated  them  was  a  sure  augury  of 
the  success  which  was  to  follow ;  the  history  of  warfare, 
I  think,  furnishes  few  instances  of  a  more  brilliant  attack; 
the  regulars,  led  on  by  their  intrepid  and  skilful  command- 
er. Col  Williams,  and  by  the  gallant  Major  Montgomery, 
soon  gained  possession  of  the  works,  in  the  midSt  of  a  most 
tremendous  fire  from  behind  them ;  and  the  militia,  of  the 
venerable  Gen.  Dohertjy's  brigade,  accompanied  them  in 
the  charge,  with  a  vivacity  and  firmness  which  would  have 
done  honor  to  regulars.  The  enemy  were  completely 
routed— 557  were  left  dead  on  the  peninsula  ;  and  a  great 
number  of  them  were  killed  by  the  horsemen,  in  attempt- 
mg  to  cross  the  river ;  it  is  believed  that  no  more  than 
10  had  escaped. 

The  fighting  continued,  with  some  severity,  about  five 
Boiirs;  but  we  continued  to  destroy  many  of  them,  who 


181     . 

concealed  themselves  under  the  banks  of  the  river 

killed  16  which  had  been  concealed.  We  took  250  ori- 
K.ners,  all  women  and  children  except  2  or  3 :  our  loss  » 
Il06  wounded  arid  26  killed.  Major  k'lntosh,  (the  Cowe- 
ju,)  who  joined  my  army  with  a  part  of  his  trTbe,  ffreatly 
istmguished  hmiself  When  I  get  an  hdur's  leTsure  1 
dl  send  you  a  more  detailed  account.  The  power  of  the 
reeks  is,  I  thmk,  forever  broken.  I  send  ymi  a  hasty 
ketch,  taken  by  the  eve,  of  the  situation  on  which  the 
enemv  were  encamped,  and  of  the  manner  in  which  I  an- 
proached  them.  ,  *^ 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
,  ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maior  Gen 

I%or  General  Thomas  Pinckney,  U.  8.  army. 

AFFAIR  AT  LA  COLLE  MILL. 

ify  of  a  letter  from  Majin- General  fVilkinsm  to  the  Secretary  oi 

War,  dated  ,  ^    ^ 

Province  of  Lower  Canada,  Odell  Town, 

March  31 8t,  1814. 
SIR— We  have  had  an  affair  with  the  enemy,  in  which 
lojMroops  have  given  him  another  test  of  fimness  and 

Pursuant  to  the  designs  communicated  to  you  in  my  last. 
y  to  accomplish  yowr  views,  if  in  my  power,  I  entered 
Canada  yesterday  morning,  and  was  met  by  the  enemy 

ear  this  place  about  1 1  o'clock,  whom  we  forced  at  exJv 
Ipnt  of  attack  on  the  route  to  La  Coile,  distant  Trom 
lence  one  league,  and  from  St.  John's  six.     We  reached 

e  former  f^ost  about  three  o'clock,  and  found  there  a 

r?  TK '"  P«^«^ssion  of  a  spacious  lofty  stone-mill,  of 
fhich  I  had  received  some  information.  An  eighteen 
pounder  had  been  ordered  forward  to  effect  the  dfstruc 
N  of  this  building,  but  It  broke  down,  and  after  being 
f paired,  the  only  road  of  approach,  through  adecp  forest, 

as  reported  to  fee  impracticable  to  agunof  such  weight 
Afl  opimon  prevailed  at  the  same  time  with  the  chiefen- 


%   182 


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■' 

■; 

Ml 

■  1 

gineer,  Major  Totten,  founded  on  intelli£^ence  previously' 
received,  and  several  of  the  best  informecl  officers,  that  aQi 
iron  tveelve  would  suffice  to  make  a  breach ;  but  after  al 
fair  and  tedious  experiment,  at  three  hundred  yards  disJ 
tance  only,  it  was  discovered  our  battery  could  make  no| 
impression. 

Brigadier  Generals  Smith  and  Bissell  covered  our  gunsJ 

and  Brigadier  Genera!  Macomb,  with  a  select  corps,  IbrmH 

ed  the  reserve.     The  enemy  had  been  reported,  from  i 

source  considered  strictly  confidential,   to   two  thousanci 

five  hundred  strong,  and  his  first  attack  of  my  right  favorJ 

ed  the  report  from  the  use  he  made  of  Congreve  rocketsj 

and  other  indications  of  deliberate  preparation ;  the  corps] 

therefore,  were  held  in  high  order  to  receive  his  corabineJ 

attack.     Yet  believing  in  the  efficacy  of  our  battery,  dis] 

positions  had  been  made  to  intercept  the  enemy  should  he 

evacuate  the  post,  and  to  give  it  the  utmost  etTect,  we  wera 

obliged  to  take  ground  near  the  margin  of  the  field  whicH 

encompassed  the  mill.    During  the  cannonade,  which  waj 

returned  with  vivacity  by  the  enemy's  gallies,  (I  presume,} 

several  sorties  and  desparate  charges  were  made  from  tin 

mill  upon  our  battery,  which  were  repulsed  with  incredii 

ble  coolness  by  the  covering  corps,  at  the  expense  of  somJ 

blood  and  some  lives  on  both  sides :  it  is   reported  to  ml 

that  in  the  last  charge  a  Captain  of  grenadiers  andfifteeJ 

men  fell  together,  but  I  cannot  vouch  for  the  fact.    Find] 

ing  all  our  attempts  to  make  a  breach  unsuccessful,  I  with] 

drew  the  battery,  called  in  my  detachments,  and,  havind 

removed  our  dead  and  wounded  and  every  thing  else,  fell 

back  to  this  place  about  six  o'clock. 

Where  a  military  corps  appears  to  be  universally 
mated  by  the  same  sensibilities,  where  the  only  competij 
tion  is  for  danger  and  glory,  individual  distinctions  seeJ 
improper  except  in  extraordinary  cases — such  as  the  conj 
duct  of  the  officers  who  commanded  our  battery  yesterj 
day.  Captain  M'Pherson,  of  the  light  artillery,  (my  milij 
tary  secretary,)  impelled  by  the  noble  spirit  whicn  mark! 
his  whole  career,  asked  permission  to  take  part  in  tM 
operations  of  the  day  with  his  proper  arm ;  he  was  ini 
dulged,  and  being  first  for  command,  took  charge  of  tlid 


183 

Leccs  which  followed  the  advanceand  formed  our  battery. 
Uhich  he  was  seconded    by  Lieutenants  Larrabee  and 
ISlieldon.     Un  opening  h.s  fire  he  seemed  inclined  to  the 
jpinion  he  could  nnake  an  impression  on  the  work,  but  he 
|xK)n  received  a  wound  under  the  chin,  which  he  tied  up 
Uh  his  handkerchief,  and  continued  at  his  piece  until  a 
l«cond  shot,  which  broke  his  thigh,  brought  him  to  the 
l«rth.    Larrabee  had  kept  his  station  until  shot  through 
Ik  lungs,  and  Sheldon  kept  up  the  fire  until  ordered  to 
htire.    1  he  conduct  of  these  gentlemen  has,  from  thena- 
Ijire  ol  their  duties,  been  so  conspicuously  gallant  as  to  at- 
Iwct  the  admiration  of  their  brethren  in  arms,  and  should, 
llhumbly  conceive,  be  distinguished  by  the  executive 
I  I  have   sent  forward  my  wounded  who  can  bear  the 
Iwvement   to  Plattsburg,  or  Buriington,  and  those  who 
lannot  will  be  provided  for  at  Champlain. 
I  I  would  hold  this  position  until  I  receive  further  orders 
liere  It  not  for  the  difficulty  of  transporting  our  provisions, 
liod  the  impossibihtv  to  cover  the  troops;  but  I  shall  not 
lietire  further  than  Champlain,  which  will  place  us  twenty- 
lire  miles  from  St.  John's,  and  forty-two  from  Montreal. 
■  I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  confessing  my  obliga- 
jons  to  my  general  and  field  officers,  and  to  my  general 
lilaffofeverygrade,  for  the  able  and   prompt  support  I 
Iteceived  from  them.     So  small  an  affair  does  not  merit  so 
lledious  a  detail ;  but  it  warrants  the  remark  that  it  will 
Iroduce  a  degree  of  self  confidence,  of  reciprocal  trust,  of 
llarmony  and  friendly  attachments  in  this  corps  highly  be- 
JDeficial  to  the  service.     It  is  a  lesson  of  command   to  the 
jollicers,  and  of  obedience  to  the  soldier,  worth  a  whole 
■fear's  drill  of  empty  parades. 

I  The  returns  ot  killed  and  wounded  have  not  yet  been 
lomished,  but  they  will  not  exceed  80  or  90,  includino-  a 
■captain  and  4  subalterns,  and  this  shall  be  forwarded  lo- 
jinorrow  or  next  day.  For  the  information  of  their  friends 
Ijouhave  at  foot  the  names  of  the  wounded  officers. 
I  With  great  respect,  «fec.  JAMES  WILKINSON. 
iThe  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 

I  Captain  M'Pherson,' Lieutenants  Larrabee;  Green,  Par- 
lier,  and  Kerr,  wounded. 


51 


IP^ 


<i 


184 

GENERAL  ORDER, 

istued  by  General  Wilkinson,  the  morning  after  the  af\ 
fair  at  La  CoUe  Mill.  ^ ' 

H.  Q.  Odell  Town,  Prorince  of  L.  CanadJ 
March  31  st.  1814. 
The  affair  of  yesterday  is  honorable  to  the  troops,  an 
gives  them  a  title  to  the  thanks  of  the  General,  and  thei 
country.     The  constancy  and  courage,  exhibited  under 
tedious  and  galling  hre  of  the  enemy,  were  exemplary,  anq 
would  have  done  credit  to  the  oldest  troops  in  the  world 
Where  every  officer  and  every  man  evinces  the  same  firm 
nes8  and  intrepidity,  the  General  feels  that  it  would  be  in 
vidious  to  particuhrize.     The  advance,  under  Col.  Clar 
and  Major  Forsyth,  the  corps  untjer  Briff.  Generals  Smit 
and  Bissel,  beat  the  enemy  at  every  pomt  of  attack,  an 
repulsed  several  desperate  charges  on  our  artillery ;' ai 
the  select  corps,  under  Brig.  Gen.  Macomb,  who  we, 
panting  for  the  combat,  if  there  had  been  occasion  forthei 
services,  would  have  displayed  equal  valor.     Every  ma 
and  officer,  and  every  member  ofthe  General  Staff,  man 
fested  the  utmost  promptitude  and  decision.    The  coni 
duct  of  Capt.  M'Pherson  and  his  seconds.  Lieutenant 
Larrabee  and  Sheldon,  who  commanded  the  battery,  mi 
80  conspicuously  gallant,  that  the  army  will  excuse  thi 
general  for  designating  them.     The  first  kept  his  post  un 
til  brought  to  the  ground  by  a  second  shot  ;  the  secon 
until  he  was  grievously  wounded  :  and  the  third  behave 
with  the  utmost  intrepidity,  and  maintained  his  ground  un 
til  ordered  to  bring  out  the  pieces. 

Let  the  meritorious  dead  be  collected,  and  buried,  will 
the  honors  of  war,  in  the  same  grave—let  the  woundei 
be  cherished  with  the  utmost  tenderness,  and  removed  t^ 
the  hospitals  in  the  rear;  and  let  the  troo  js  be  immedi 
ately  completed  to  sixty  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  heli 
perfectly  ready  to  meet  the  enemy,  should  he  venture  t 
advance. 


185 
CAPTURE  OF  THE  LPERVIER 

C^y  of  a  UUerfro,n  LU^^^^son,  to  .He  Secr.ar,  .f,He 
^FR     1h       a    u  ff'^annah,  May  Isf.  1814. 

earronades,  Capt.  ^fes^l^S^^^^^^^^^^^ 
on  Friday  n.orn.n^  the  29li.  off'  Cape  Carnav^eral    after 
an  action  of  45  m.nutes,  in  wuich  time  she  wa'  much  eut 
npmhul],  spars  ng^^,ng  and  sails,  with  upwarroffive 
|tr-gage!  '"       '  ''^^'  '"'"^  ^^^  ^^^^"*^g<^  ^^ ^^e  wea! 

l,fh;tpnV°'V''!'T  •^'"^*^'  ^"'^  ^'^'^^"^  wounded-among 
.e  latter  her  first  Lieutenant,  who  has  lost  liis  arm ;  I  am 

bppy  to  say  the  Peacock  received  no  material  L,ry~ 
hr  fore-yard,  and  two  men,  slightly  wounded ;  Ee- 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

u      n-  T        o      .     ^^^^^  ^'  NICHOLSON. 
Hon.  n.  Joues,  Sec.  Navy. 


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FURTHER  ACCOUNT. 

^tract  of  idlers  from  Captain  Warrington  to  the  Secretary  of 

the  Navy.  ^  •' 

U.  S.  Sloop  Peacock,  at  Sea,  lat.  27,  47,  long.  80  9 
29th  April,  1814.  «     "' "> 

SIR—I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  we  have  this 
Imormng  captured,  after  an  abtion  of  42  ri.lnutes,  his  ma- 
Ijesty  s  bng  Epervier,  rating  and  mounting  eighteen  32lb 
carronadca,  with  128  men,  of  whom  8  were  killed  and  13 
bounded,  (according  to  the  best  information  we  could  ob- 
tain.)   Amon^  the  latter  is  her  1st  Lieut,  who  has  lost  an 
arm,  and  received  a  severe  splinter  wound  on  the  hip  — 
\U  a  man  in  the  Peacock  was  killed,  and  only  two  wound- 
ed; neither  dangerously  so.     The  fate  of  the  Epervief 
pQuld  have  been  determined  in  much  less  time,  but  fop 

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the  circumstance  of  our  fore-yard  being  totally  disabled 
by  two  round  shot  in  the  starboard  quarter  from  her  first 
broadside,  which  entirely  deprived  us  of  the  use  of  our 
fore  and  fore-top  sails,  and  compelled  us  to  keen  the  ship 
large  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  action.  This,  with 
9.  few  top-mast  and  top-gallant  back  stays  cut  away,  a  few 
shot  through  our  sails,  is  the  only  injury  the  Peacock  has 
sustained.  Not  a  round  shot  touched  our  hull ;  our  masls 
and  spars  are  as  sound  as  ever.  When  the  enemy  struck 
lie  had  five  feet  water  in  his  hold,  his  maintop-mast  was 
over  the  side,  his  main-boom  shot  away,  his  foremast  rut 
nearly  in  two  and  tottering,  his  fore  rigging  and  stays  shot 
away,  his  bowsprit  badly  wounded,  and  45  shot  holes  in 
his  hull,  20  of  which  were  within  a  foot  of  his  water  line. 
By  great  exertion  we  got  her  in  sailing  order  just  as  the 
dark  came  on. 

"  In  fifteen  minutes  after  the  enemy  struck,  the  Peacock 
was  ready  for  another  action,  in  every  respect  but  her 
fore-yard,  which  was  sent  down,  fished,  and  had  the  fore- 
sail set  again  in  45  minutes—such  was  the  spirit  and  activi- 
ty of  our  gallant  crew.  The  Epervier  had  under  her  con- 
voy  an  English  hermaphrodite  brig,  a  Russian  and  a  Spa- 
nish ship,  which  all  hauled  their  wind  and  stood  to  the 
E.  N.  E.  I  had  determined  upon  pursuing  the  former,  but 
found  that  it  would  not  answer  to  leave  our  prize  in  her 
then  crippled  state,  and  the  more  particularly  so,  as  we 
found  she  had  g  120,000  in  specie,  which  we  soon  transfer- 
red to  this  sloop." 

"To  the  unwearied  and  indefatigable  attention  of  Lieu- 
tenant Nicholson,  (Ist,^  in  organizing  and  training  thcl 
crew,  the  success  of  this  action  is  in  a  great  measure  to 
be  attributed.  I  have  confided  greatly  in  him,  and  have 
never  found  my  confidence  misplaced.  For  judgment, 
coolness,  and  decision  in  times  of  difficulty,  few  can  sur-l 
pass  him.  This  is  the  second  action  in  which  he  has  been 
engaged  this  war,  and  in  both  he  has  been  successful;  his 

freatest  pride   is  to  earn  a  commander's  commission  by 
ghting  for,  instead  of  heiring  it.  [ 

From  Lieutenant  Henly,  (2d)  and  Lieutenant  Voorhees, 
(acting  3d,  who  has  been  also  twice  succe$sfully  engaged,)  l[ 


,,<^  .«w«a».,*«)|i«^ 


187 

''':tHlr^T\r^^^''T  *^^*  "^^''  ^'^^'^  «"J  experience 
could  afford ;  the  fire  from  their  divisions  was  terrible, 

and  directed  with  the  greatest  precision  and  coolness.   In 
8a.ling.mas  er  Percval;  whose  great  wisli  and  rride  it  is 
to  obtain  a  heutenant's  commission,  and  whose  unremittino- 
and  constant  aUention  to  duty,  added  to  his  professional 
know  edge,  entitle  him  to  it  in  my  opinion,  I  found  an  able 
as  well  as  wiling  assistant;  he  handled  the  ship  as  if  he 
had  been  working  her  into  a  roadstead.  Mr.  David  Cole 
acting  carpenter,  I  have   also   found   such  an  able  and 
raluable  man  m  his  occupation  that  I  must  request,  in  the 
most  earnest  manner,  that  he  may  receive  a  warrant:  for 
I  feel  confident  that  to   his   uncommon  exei/on  we  in'a 
great  'JJfasure,  owe  the  getting  our  prize  into   .ort.  From 
1  A.  M.  until  6  P.  M.  he  was  over  her  side  s  oppinff  shot 
holes,  on  a  grating;    and  when  the   ordinary   resources 
failed  of  success,  his  skill  soon  supplied  him  with  efficient 
I  7u-    Mf;.^^"''P  Myers,  master's  mate,  has  also  conduct, 
t  ed  himsel  m  such  a  manner  as  to  warrant  my  recommen- 
dation  of  him  as  a  master ;  he  is  a  seaman,  navigator,  and 
officer— his  family  in  New- York  is  respected,  and'he  would 
prove  an  acquisition  to  the  service.      My  clerk,  Mr.  John 
h.lownsend,  is  anxious  to  obtain  through  my  means  a 
.     .   ,    J  midshipman's  warrant,  and  has  taken  pains  to  qualify  him- 
Lir  prize  m  her  ■  self  for  It  by  volunteering,  and  constantly  perforininff  a 
arly  so,  as  TC«  midshipman's  duty— indeed  I   have  but 'little   use  for  a 

^ "'""  n  '^'f!;'''.^"^  ^e  is  as  great  a  proficient  as  any  of  the  youno- 

midshipmen,  the  \;'hole  of  whom  behaved  in  a  manner  tha't 
ms  pleasing  to  me,  and  must  be  gratifying  to  you,  as  it 
gives  an  earnest  of  what  they  will  make  in  time ;  three 
only  have  been  to  sea  before,  and  one  only  in  a  man  of 
war,  yet  were  they  as  much  at  home  and  as  much  dispos- 
ed to  exert  themselves  as  any  officer  in  the  ship.  Lieu- 
tenant Nicholson  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of 
Messrs.  Greeves  and  Rodgers,  (midshipmen)  who  were 
in  the  prize  with  him." 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

„      ^  ,  L.  WARRINGTON. 

Hon.  W,  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 


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188 

AFFAIR  AT  OSWEGO. 

Copy  of  a  letter  Jrom  Mnj.  General  Brown,  to  the  Sccretarv  of 

War,  dated  ^^ 

H.  Q.  SackeVs  Harbor,  May  12,  1814. 
SIR—Enclosed  is  an  abstract  from  the  report  of  Lieut 
Col.  Mitchell,  of  the  afiair  at  Oswego.  Being  well  satis- 
fied with  the  manner  in  which  the  Colonel  executed  my  or- 
ders,  and  with  the  evidence  given  of  steady  discipline,  and 
gaHant  conduct,  on  the  part  of  the  troops,  I  have  noticed 
them  in  the  general  order,  a  copy  of  which  is  enclosed. 

The  enemy's  obiect  was  the  naval  and  military  stores 
deposited  at  the  falls,  13  miles  in  rear  of  the  fort—these 
were  protected.  The  stores,  at  the  fort  and  village,  were 
not  important. 

I  am,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN,  Maj.  Gen. 


COL.  MITCHELL'S  REPORT. 

I  informed  you  of  my  arrival  at  fort  Oswego,  on  the 
30th  ult.  This  post  being  but  occasionally,  and  not 
recently  occupied  by  regular  troops,  was  in  a  bad  state 
of  defence.  Of  cannon,  we  had  but  five  old  guns,  three 
of  which  had  lost  their  trunnions ;  what  could  be  done 
in  the  way  of  repair,  was  effected;  new  platforms  were 
laid;  the  gun-carriages  put  in  order,  and  decayed 
pickets  replaced.  On  the  5th  inst.  the  British  naval 
force,  consisting  of  4  large  ships,  three  brigs,  and  a 
number  of  gun,  and  other  boats,  were  descried  at  reval- 
lie-beating,  about  7  miles  from  the  fort.  Information 
was  immediately  given  to  Capt.  Woolsey,  of  the  navy 
(who  was  at  Oswego  village,)  and  to  the  neighboring 
militia.  It  being  uncertain  on  what  side  of  the  nvei 
the  enemy  would  land ;  and  my  force  (290  effectives,) 
being  too  small  to  bear  division,  I  ordered  the  tents,  in 
store,  to  be  pitched  on  the  village  side,  while  I  occu- 
pied the  other  with  my  whole  force ;  it  is  probable  that 
^his  artihce  had  its  effect,  and  determined  the  enemy  to 


■I 


- 1",. 


189 

&„  boats,  .arge".'a"„d°  cl^^wd  S-'w.tLr  TaXl7 
len Signal,  moved  slowly  to  the  shnr*. .  7^k°P^*  ^*  »  S^^" 

Lch  bad  been  deSd'  i^'f /'["'«  *"Ty  '  ''°»«^' 

Ime  others  by  the  mimia  •  tht  «   ^"  "?  ''y  "*'  »»<• 
L  lon<r  rnrrii  Ir  '  ]"*  "'■'''  mentioned  was  60 

C<e''i50 Zn     Sh? htl  ' '''•'''  IS""  ?""  "'«»"'- 

^nanKs  ot  the  enemy.     Lieut   Pearrp    r^r  iu^^"^ 
fc  r^'"f" "  '"T'-y-  W«  maintained  oursrouL"' 

kfour  hundred  yards  of  the  fort     kut    r  ^'^" 

K  my  rea?^'5V"  r'  °^^^^J  ^5«^-^i«g  the 
LtPvWi^'c  ^  •  .  }:"^  enemy  landed  600  of  De 
faltevilie  s  regunent,  600  marines,  two  comDanies  hf 
feGIengary  corps,  and  350  seamen.       '''""P^"'^'  ^* 


190 

Gen.  Druitimond  and  Com.  Yeo  were  the  land  and 
naval  commanders;  they  burned  the  old  barracks,  an(l| 
evacuated  the  fort  about  3  o'clock  in  the  morning  oj 
the  7th.  Our  loss,  in  killed,  is  6 — wounded,  38— miss] 
ing,  25^ — total,  69,  The  enemy's  loss  is  much  greaterJ 
Deserters,  and  citizens  of  oui'd  (taken  prisoners,  and  afj 
terwards  released,)  state  their  killed  at  64,  and  wound-j 
ed  in  proportion.  I  cannot  close  this  dispatch  without 
speaking  ot  the  dead  and  the  living  of  my  detachment  [ 
Lieut.  Blaney,  a  young  man  of  much  promise,  was  unl 
fortunately  killed ;  his  conduct,  in  the  action,  was  high] 
ly  meritorious.  Capt.  Boyle  and  Lieut.  Legate  nierij 
my  highest  approbation ;  and,  indeed,  I  want  languagJ 
to  express  my  admirationof  their  gallant  conduct.  'I'hf 
subalterns,  M'Comb,  Ansart,  King,  Robb,  Earle 
M'Clintock,  and  Newkirk,  performed  well  their  seve 
ral  parts. 

It  would  be  injustice,  were  I  not  to  acknowledge  and 
report  the  zeal,  and  patriotism,  evinced  by  the  railiiid 
who  arrived  at  a  short  notice,  and  were  anxious  to ' 
useful. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

J.  MITCHELL,  LUul.  Col. 


'I ' 


GENERAL  ORDERS. 

Major-General  Brown  has  the  satisfaction  of  annou 
cing,  to  the  troops  of  his  division,  that  the  detachmen 
under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Mitchell,  of  1' 
corps  of  artillery,  have,  by  their  gallant,  and  higli 
military  conduct,  on  the  5th  and  6th  inst.  gained  a  nam 
in  arras,  worthy  the  nation  they  serve,  and  the  cau 
they  support.    For  nearly  two  days  they  maintain 
an  unequal  contest,  against  ten  times  their  own  nui 
ber,  and  but  yielded  their  post,  when  the  interest 
their  country  made  that  measure  necessary.  The  coi 
panics  composing  this  gallant  detachment,  were  Boyle'i 
Romayne's,  M'Intire's,  and  Pierce's,  of  the  heavy  ai 
tillerv,  Melvin's,  of  the  light  artillery,  and  a  few  se 


191 

Irn,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Pearce,  of  the  navy 

nn  all    less  than  300  men.     The  enemy's  Wl?v 

jiand  and  water,  exceeded  three  thousand.  ^ 

AFFAIR  AT  SANDY  CREEK. 

E^lraC.  OS  a  letter  from  Bn,  Gaural  Gaines,  to  the  Secretary  of 

Har,  datea  ^  •' 

I  r,         „     ,  ^(^ckeVs  Harbor y  May  ^\   iflu 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  her^wi^h  Ma Lr  A"- 
phng's  report  of  the  .gallant  affair,  which  toSkolt^ 

Iderday  mornm^.  between  a  detachment  of  the  Tst 
nfe  repment.  and  Oneida  Indians  under  his  command 
in  a  detachment  from  the  British  fleet,  coS  "ffof 

M''wooi^?l^"ff^rh?'""  "^'.^'"'"^  *"  ^«-°p^^«t^  ^ith 

■lapi.  noolsej,  of  the  navy,  m  escorting  the  cannon 

t  eTt:  STf  'rZTll  ^-^-^d  for'theTe? 
pre,  oy^board  ol  a  flotilla  of  barges;  and,  after  hav- 

lb  place,  they  were  pursued,  up  the  creek,  by  the 
Ijemy's  force,  which  they  met,  and  beat!  and  took 
Ifier  an  action  of  10  minutes,  without  any  other  loss 
Id  our  part,  than  one  rifleman  wounded.  * 

MAJOR  APPLING'S  REPORT. 

Unyofa  letter  fron,  Major  Appling,  to  Brig.  Gen.  Gaines,  dated 

mH     P  •      ,^  ^^^^'^y  Greek,  May  30,  1814, 

bm--Presuming  that  you  have  already  been  mad«» 
quainted  with  the  result  of  the  aflPair  of  thfs  day   I 

CoNh'^.-frr'^  ^?^  *^  *'"^"^«h  you  with  thTre- 
>rn  of  the  killed  wounded,  and  prisoners,  on  the  part 
[f  the  enemy,  which  is  as  follows :  133  prisoners  Ln 

QTm!:;  v"''~^'"^.?^^^^  2«  ditto-kSled  ??d  tto 
fcts  of  thT"'"' ""  ''  *^""  Post-Captains,  four  Lie«: 
pants  of  the  navy,  prisoners  ;  and  two  Lieutenants  of 


\i  J 


192 

marines  dangerously  wounded,  and  prisoners.  Tliei 
dead  will  receive  all  the  honors  due  to  uutbrtunate  soi-J 
diers — the  wounded  remain  at  this  place,  waiting  the] 
arrival  of  medical  aid  from  the  Harbor;  the  prisonersl 
have  been  marched  into  the  country,  and  to-morrowl 
they  will  proceed  for  the  Harbor.  The  enemy's  boatsl 
also  fell  into  my  hands,  consisting  of  two  gun-boats  andl 
five  barges,  some  of  which  carried  howitzers.  Of  l2o| 
men,  and  a  few  Indians,  my  loss  does  not  exceed  one! 
man,  of  the  rifle  corps,  wounded. 

I  cannot  sufficiently  extol  the  conduct  of  the  officer^ 
who  served  under  me — who  were  Lieutenants  M'lntoshl 
Calhoun,  Macfarland,  Armstrong  and  Smith,  and  En] 
sign  Austin. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

D.  APPLING. 
Brig,  Gen.  Gaines. 


»«« 


COM.  BARNEY'S  FLOTILLA. 


O 


Copy  of  a  letter  from  Commodore  Barney,  to  the  Secretary  of  tht 

Navy,  dated 

Sunday,  26thJuney  1814—10,  A.^ 
SIK — This  morning,  at  4,  a  combined  attack  ofth« 
artillery,  marine  corps,  and  flotilla,  was  made  upon  thd 
enemy's  two  frigates,  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek ;  aftej 
two  hours  engagement,  they  got  under  way,  and  madl 
sail  down  the  river  j  they  are  now  warping  round  Point] 
Patience,  and  I  am  moving  up  the  Patuxent,  with  mJ 
flotiUa.  My  loss  is  acting  Midshipman  A«quith  killedj 
and  ten  others,  killed  and  wounded — [3  killed,  and 
wound<?d.] 

Mr.  Blake,  the  bearer  of  this,  was  a  volunteer  in  mj 
barge — ^he  will  give  you  every  other  information. 
With  respect,  &c. 

JOSHUA  BARNEY. 
Hw.  W.  Jams,  Sec.  Navy. 


193 
PROCEEDINGS  ON  LAKE  ONTARIO. 

tr.  S.  Ship  Superior,  Backet's  Harbor.  June  20,  1814. 

SIR— Knowing  that  the  enemy  was  constantly  re- 
ceiving naval  and  military  stores  at  Kingston  bv  ihl 
St.  Lawrence  I  thought  i(  might  be  practfcabJ;  t^^s^r! 
prize  and  capture  a  brigade  of  boats,  with  tores  on 
board,  and  either  destroy  or  bring  them  ofT?  for  tw" 
purpose,  1  directed  Lieutenant  Gregory  to  take  thrtp 

Kocltit^^^^^^^     r  °"^  -ttL*inlt^it"t! 

isna  proceed  down  the  St  Lawrence— secrete  hinmplf 
on  some  of  the  islands,  and  watch  a  favoraE^e  op^rt^ 
!  ^?k'"''PT  ^^"g«de  of  loaded  boats,  and  either 

hrmg  t^hem  off  or  destroy  them,  as  circumstances  wou?i 

Lieut.  Gregory  left  here,  with  his  party,  on  the  even- 
W  of  the  15th  inst  and  proceeded  to  "he  "Thousand 
Isfands'' where  he  hauled  his  boats  on  shore,  and  co„- 
jealed  them-saw  two  brigades  of  boats  pas  ;  one  un 
e  river  with  troops,  of  course  too  strong  L  our  Ik^ 
h^Z^  ^^'^^  ^^^"  '^^  --  e^^pt^^d^^?; 
Lieut.  Gregory  found  the  enemy  had  gun-boats  sta- 
tioned between  Kingston  and  Prescott,  with?n  about  st 
mdes  of  each  other;  and  that  they  had  a  leWraDh 
land  look  out,  in  almost  every  high  island  \athS^i& 
convey  intelligence  with  gre^t  exMon:    Yeste  Sa? 
morning,  between  9  and  10  o'c&,  Ueut.  gSv 
nding  himself  discovered,  and  a  gun-boat  clos^to^Mm 
e  nstantly  formed  the  bold  desi/n^o  board  her,  vvwS 
edid,  and  carried  her  withoutlosing  a  man?oLe  of 
Ihe  enemy  was  badly  wounded. 

No^^Q  ^mJn  VS  ^  ^^S  ^"^  Sun-boat  Black-snake,  or 

!p;  ;::;;T"*^'*  ?  is  pounder,  and  manned  with  18 

ed?  Lip.?/r"^'' '"""""''  ^\V«^  «f  ^hich  is  enclos- 

D  f  hp  4?  i'  ^'^^'''•^  i"^""^^  ^'«  P"^«  «n<i  proceeded 

sued  by  a  very  large  gun-boat,  mounting  2  heavy  guns, 
'  B  b 


n 


194 

and  rowed  with  upwards  of  40  oars,  which  overhauled 
him  fast ;  he  kept  possession  of  his  prize  until  the  ene- 
my threw  their  shot  over  him — he  then,  very  reluctant- 
ly,  (but  I  think  properly,)  took  all  his  prisoners  out 
and  scuttled  the  gun-boat,  which  sunk  instantly,  and  es- 
caped the  enemy,  although  so  heavily  loaded.  Lieut. 
Gregory  arrived  safe  this  morning,  with  all  his  pri- 
soners. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 


CAPT.  PORTER'S  CRUISE. 

Cojn/  of  a  letter  frotn  Capt.  Porter,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated 

Essex  Junior,  July  3</,  1814 — At  Sea. 

SIR — I  have  done  myself  the  honor  to  address  you,| 
repeatedly,  since  1  left  the  Delaware  ;  but  have  scarce- 
ly a  hope,  that  one  of  my  letters  have  reached  you-^ 
therefore,  consider  it  necessary,  to  give  you  a  brie^ 
history  of  my  proceedings  since  that  period.  1 

I  sailed  from  the  Delaware,  on  the  27th  Oct.  I8I2J 
and  repaired,  with  all  diligence,  (agreeably  to  instruc- 
tions from  Com.  Bainbridge,)  to  Port  Praya,  Fernan-, 
do  de  Noronho,  and  Cape  Frio,  and  arrived  at  each] 
place  on  the  day  appointed  to  meet  him.  On  my  pasi 
sage,  from  Port  Praya  to  Fernando  de  Noronho,  I  cap- 
tured his  B.  M.  packet  Nocton ;  and,  after  taking  out 
about  eleven  thousand  pounds  sterling,  in  specie,  seni 
her,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Finch,  for  America,  j 
cruised  off  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  about  Cape  Frio,  until 
the  12th  of  Jannary,  1813,  hearing  frequently  of  the 
commodore,  by  vessels  from  Bahia ;  I  here  captured  but 
one  schooner,  with  hides  and  tallow,  and  sent  her  intd 
Rio.  The  Montague  (Admiral's  ship)  being  in  purj 
suit  of  me,  my  provisions  now  getting  short,  and  find] 
ing  it  necessary  now  to  look  out  for  a  supply,  to  enaj 
ofe  me  to  meet  the  Commodore  by  the  1st  of  April,  of 


■I 


105 

k  Helena.  I  proceeded  to  the  island  of  St.  Calhanne's, 
(the  las  place  of  rendezvous  on  the  coast  of  JbS")  a 
1  e  most  hkely  to  snpply  my  wants  and,  at  the    ame 

h  iKle  the  Uiitish  ships  of  war,  on  the  coast,  and  expect- 
ed there-I  here  could  procure  only  wood,  wateTand 
rum,  and  a  few  bags  of  flour ;  and  hearing  of  the  Com- 

r!  hv  l''ii°"  '''^*'  *^"  •'^^^'  the  captu?e  of  the  hZ 

iln^of  ihP^R  V  f ";'  '"^  ^^  ""  considerable  augn^n- 
kiion  ofthe  British  force,  on  the  coast,  and  of  several 
^.ng  in  pursuit  of  me,  (found  it  necessary  to  get  to 
«ea  as  soon  as  possible.     I  now,  agreeably  to  tim  Com- 
modore's  plan,  stretched  to  the  soSthwarcf.  scouHng  the 
coast  as  far  as  Rio  de  la  Plata.    I  heard  that  Bueios 
Ayres  was  in  a  state  of  starvation,  and  could  notsupplv 
our  wants,  and  that  the  government  of  Monleviedo  was 
rery  inimical  to  us.    The  Commodore's  instructions 
IwH,  left  It  completely  discretionary  with  me    what 
course  to  pursue  ;  and  I  determined  on  following  that 
S    f  r*r^^  2^^*  ^''  approbation,  but  the  appro- 
bl ion  of  the  then  Secretary  of  the  Navy.    I  accord- 
lingly  shaped  my  course  for  the  Pacific ;  and,  after  suf- 
lenng  greatly,  from  short  allowance  of  provisions  and 
bvy  gales  off  Cape  Horn,  (for  which  my  ship  and 

b  T^  u^J^rl^."^^  ^  ^"-"^^^  «t  Valparaiso  on  the 
iMth  March,  1813  ;  I  here  took  in  as  much  jerked  beef 
H  other  provisions   as  my  ship  would  convenient!  v 
I  ow,  and  ran  down  the  coast  of  Chili  and  Peru-in  thi. 
I?H  OA  A    '"  ''''"'  a  Peruvian  corsair,  which  had  on 
C  I   I-  ^*"^"'^?»s>  (as  prisoners,)  the  crews  of  two 
Iwhale-ships.  which  she  had  taken  on  the  coast  of  Chili 
I  he  Captain  informed  me,  that,  as  the  allies  of  Great 
IBntain,  they  would  capture  all  they  should  meet  with 
Ijj  expectation  of  a  war  between  Spain  and  the  United 
pWes.    I  consequently  threw  all  his  guns  and  ammu- 
oition  into  the  sea,  liberated  the  Americans,  wmt"  a 
Jrespectful  letter  to  the  Vice-Rov,  explaining  he  cause 
I  my  proceedings  which  I  deliV^recfto  herUptain- 
II  then  proceeded  for  Lima,  and  re-captured  one  of  the 
Ifessels,  as  she  was  entering  the  port ;  from  thence  I 


(fit  J 


h 


ejmmmem 


m 


■^■Sif 


m 


196 

brocMded  for  the  Gallapagos  islands,  where  I  cruised 
from  the  17th  of  April  uotil  the  3d  of  October   181 1 
during  which  time  Ij  touched  only  once  on  the  coast  i 
of  America,  which  Wns  for  the  purpose  of  procurinir  a ' 
supply  of  fresh  waAe^  as  none  is  to  be  found  amoniri 
Uiose  islands,  whicR  are,  perhaps,  the  most  barren  and 
desolate  of  any  known.     While  among  this  grouoe  F 
captured  the  following  British  ships,  employed  chiefly 
in  the  spermaceti  whale  fishery,  viz.  Letters  of  Maraue 
Montezuma* 270  tons,  21  men,  2  guns ;  Policy,  175tons 
26  men,  10  guns,  pierced  for  18;  Georgiana,  280  tons' 
25  men,  6  guns,  pierced  for  18;  Greenwich,  338  tons' 
25  men,  10  guns,  pierced  for  20  i  Atlantic,  355  tons* 
24  men,  8  guns,  pierced  for  20 ;  Hose,  220  tons,  21  men 
8  guns,  pierced  for  20;  Hector,  270  tons,  25  men  li 
guns,  pierced  for  20  ;  Catharine,  270  tons,  29  men  8 
guns,  pierced  for  18  ;  Seringapatam,  357  tons,  31  men  I 
14  guns,  pierced  for  26;  Charlton,  274  tons,  21  men'' 
10  guns,  pierced  for  18 ;  New-Zcalander,  259  tons  23 
men,  8  guns,  pierced  for  18 ;  Sir  A.  Hammond,  *30l 
tons,  31  men,  12  guns,  pierced  for  1 8— making  a  tola! 
of  3465  tons,  302  men,  and  107  guns.  As  some  of  thost 
shms  were  captured  by  boats,  and  others  by  prizes,  mv 
officers  and  men  had  several  opportunities  of  shewina 
their  gallantry.  = 

ers.    The  Hector,  Catharine,  and  Montezuma,  I  sent  tj 
Valparaiso,  where  they  were  laid  up.    The  PolicvJ 
Georgiana,  and  New-jCealander,  I  sent  for  America 
Ihe  Greenwich  I  kept  as  a  store-ship,  to  contain  the 
stores  of  my  other  prizes,  necessary  for  us;  and  the 
Atlantic,  now  called  the  Essex  Junior,  I  equipped  with 
20  guns,  and  gave  command  of  her  to  Lieut.  Downa 
Liieut.  Downs  had  convoyed  the  prizes  to  Valparai 
so,  and  on  his  return  brought  me  letters,  informing  m 
that  a  squadron,  under  the  command  of  Commodore 
James  Hillvar,  consisting  of  the  frigate  Phcebe,  of  36 
guns,  the  Racoon  and  Cherub,  sloops  of  war,  and  a 
store-ship,  of  20  guns,  had  sailed  on  the  6th  of  July,foJ 
thii  sea.    The  Racoon  and  Cherub  had  been  seekinJ 


Hfi 


•/ 


J  97 


oe,  for  some  time,  on  Uie  coast  of  Brazil ;  and,  on  t!»ir 

0  me  to  the  Pacific.     fAy  ship,  as  \t  may  be  supposed, 
[after  being  near  a  year  at  sea,'^«,quired  7ome  repairs,  to 

!   anJh"/  "T  '°  •"'">  them;  which  I  determined  to 
0,  and  bring  them  to  action,  if  I  could  meet  them  on  near- 
Ij  equal  terms.     I  proceeded,  now,  in  company  with  the 
rema.nder  of  my  prizes,  to  the  island  of  Nooaheevah,  or 
Madron's  Island,  lying  in  the  Washington  groupe,  disco' 
Ar  ^^.^f?^^'"  Ingraham,of  Boston;  hie  Qulked, 
»d  completely  overhauled  my  ship;  made  for  her  a  new 
«t  of  water-casks,  her  old  ones  being  entirely  decayed; 
Ud  took  on  board,  from  my  prizes,  provisions  and  stoi^e 
'".h^T,!'  n  ^  ™?"*^^'  ^"^  «^"«^  f°r  the  coast  of  Chuf, 
ri  1%       Q^ • '^'"''"''  '"'^-     Previous  to  sailing,  I  se- 
cured the  Sermgapatam,  Greenwich,  and  hir  A.  Ham^ 
jopd,  under  the  guns  of  a  battery,  which   ^  erected  for 

I  Lrr^'iTT^'^*'*"   *«*^'"S  P««««««'«»   of  this   fine 
.land  for  the  U  States,  and  estabfishing  the  most  friendly 

charge  of  Lieut.  Gamble,  of  the  marines,  With  21  men 
»i  h  orders  to  repair  to  Valparaiso,  after  a  certain  period; 
arrived  on  the  coast  of  fchili,  on  the  12th  of  January, 
l814~looked  into  Conception  and  Vnlparaiso ;  found,  at 
both  Dlaces,  only  3  English  vessels,  an  j^  learned  that  the 
Ijquadron,  which  sailed  from  Rio  de  Janeiro  for  that  sea, 
had  not  been  heard  of  since  their  departure,  and  were 
ipposed  to  be  lost,  m  endeavoring  to  double  Cape  Horn 

1  had  completely  broken  up  the  British  navigation  in 
the  Pacific;  the  vessels  which  had  not  been  captured  by 
me,  were  laid  up,  and  dare  not  venture  out.  I  had  afford- 
ed the  most  ample  protection  to  our  own  vessels,  which 
were,  on  my  arrival,  very  numerous,  and  unprotected.— 
The  valuable  whale  fishery  there,  is  entirely  destroyed  ; 

hnd  the  actual  injury  we  have  done  them,  may  be  estima' 
ted  at  two  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars,  independent  of 
the  expence  of  vessels  in  search  of  me.  They  have  fur- 
nished me  amply  with  sails,  cordage,  cables,  anchors,  pro- 
mions,  medicines,  and  stores  of  every  description ;  Md 
the  slops,  on  board  them,  have  furnished  cloathingfor  the 


ill 


('  f. 


~«*Mi^W!fliillW*'f 


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u,        /.'I 

3  *Jv 


198 

seamen.  We  had,  in  fact,  lived  on  the  enemj,  since  I  had 
been  m  that  sea ;  every  prize  having  proved  a  well  found 
store-ship  for  me,  I  had  not  yet  been  under  the  necessity 
of  drawmff  bills  on  the  department  for  any  object,  and  had 
been  enabled  to  make  considerable  advances  to  my  offi. 
cers  and  crew,  on  account  of  pay. 

I  had  done  all  the  injury,  that  could  be  done  the  Bri- 
tish  commerce  in  the  Pacific,  and  still  hoped  to  signalize 
my  cruise  by  something  more  splendid,  before  leaving  that  i 
sea.     I  thought  it  not  improbable  that  Commodore  Hill- 
yar  might  have  kept  his  arrival  a  secret ;  and  believing 
that  he  would  seek  me  at  Valparaiso,  as  the  most  like!?  | 
place  to  find  me,  I  therefore  determined  to  cruise  about 
that  place  ;  and,  should  I  fail  of  meeting  him,  hoped  to  I 
be  comDcnsated  by  the  capture  of  some  merchant  shii 
iaid  to  be  expected  from  England. 

The  Phcebe,  agreeably  to  my  expectation,  came  to  seek  i 
me  at  Valparaiso,  where  I  was  an'chored  with  the  Essex 
my  ariQed  prize,  the  Essex  Junior,  under  the  command  of 
Lieut.  Downs,  on  the  look-out,  off  the  Harbor;  but,  con- 
trary  to  the  course  I  thought  he  would  pursue,  Commo-i 
dore  Hillyar  brought  with  him  the  Cherub  sloop  of  war, 
mounting  28  guns,  and  a  complement  of  180  men.    The 
force  of  the  Phoebe  is,   as   follows  :— 30  long  18  pound- 
ers, sixteen  32  prs.  carronades,  one  howitzer,  and  six  3 
pounders,  m  the  tops— in  all,  53  guns,  and  a  complement 
•     320  men— making  a  force  of  81  guns,  and  500 men; 
m  addition  to  which,  they  took  on  board  the  crew  of  an 
English  letter  of  marque,  laying  in  port.     Both  ships  had 
picked  crews,  and  were  sent  into  the  Pacific,  in  company 
with  the  Racoon,  of  22  guns,  and  h  store-ship,  of  20  guns, 
lor  the  express  purpose  of  seeking  the  Essex,  and  were 
prepared  with  flags,  bearing  the  motto—"  God  and  coun- 
try; British  sailors'  best  rights;  traitors  offend  both"- 
this  was  intended  as  a  reply  to  my  notto — «  Free  trade 
and  sailor's  rights"— under  the  erroneous  impression  that 
my  crew  were  chiefly  Englishmen,  or  to  counteract  its  ef- 
fect on  their  own  crews.     The  force  of  the  Essex  was  46 1 
guns— forty  32  pr.  carronades,  and  six  long  12's ;  and  her 
crew,  which  had  been  much  reduced  by  prizes,  amounted 


199 

dv  to  255  men;  the  Essex  Junior,  which  was  intended 
chiefly  as  a  s tore-sh.p,  ftiounted  20  guns-ten  18  pr  car 
ronades,  and  ten  short  6\  with  only^GO  men  on  biS^d- 
In  reply  to  their  motto,  I  wrote  at  my  mi^en- "cod    ^ 
country,  and  liberty ;  tyrants  offend  them."  ' 

On  getting  their  provisions  on  board,  they  went  off  the 
por ,  for  thepurpose  of  blockading  me,  where  they  cruis 
ed  for  near  six  weeks ;  during  whfch  ti^e  I  endeavored  to 
InW  tU  ?,^,^"^"g^'/"d  frequently,  but  ineffectuX,   o 
bng  the  Phoebe,  a  one,  to  action-first  with  bo  h  mv 
Jps,  alterwards  with  my  single  ship,  with  both  crews  o^ 
Iward.     I  was  several  times  under  way,  and  ascertaiLd 
that  I  had  greatly  the  advantage  in  po£t  of  saiS   nn^ 
once  succeeded  in  closing  withil  .unShot  of  the  pIIX 
md  commenced  a  fire  on  her-wEen  she  ran  down  foMhe 
Cherub  which  was  two  and  a  half  miles  to  the  leeward 
iis  excited  some  surprise,  and  expressions  of  indiSn 

Z  ^""VT-  ^^T^  ^'"'"^  ""^^^  ^«7.  she  hot^too  off 
i^jrt,  hoisted  her  motto-flag,  and  ded  a  gun  to  n^nd 

l^'^n^^^^^'  T"^^^  determined  to  avoid  a  contest 
wth  me,  on  nearly  equal  terms ;  and,  from  his  extreme 
nidenccm  keeping  both  lus  ships,  ever  after  constant 
vwithm  hail  of  eacli  other,  there  were  no  hoies  of  ant 
advantages  to  my  country,  from  a  longer  stay  fn  po  t  ^^ 
I  erefore  determined  to  nut  to  sea,  &  first^oppKnity 
hich  should  offer;  and  f  was  the  more  strongf/°nduS 
odo  so,as  I  had  gained  certain  intelligence  tLt  the  Ta- 
Igus.  rating  38,  anJ'two  other  frigates,lad  sailed  for  that 
.a,  m  pursuit  of  me ;  and  I  had  ?eason  to  expect  the  arri 
Ira!  of  tKe  Racoon,from  the  N.  W.  coast  of  ArSerica  whem 
;he  had  been  sent  for  the  purpose  of  destroyin^our  f^ 
establishment,  on  the  Columbfa.     A  rendezvous'wa    in! 
pnted  for  the  Essex  Junior,  and  every  arranr„ie£ 
».ade  for  sailing ;  and  I  intended  to  let  them  chase  me  off 

eS  of  r^  b  "r  r  V^*""'^^  o  "escaping"^  O^ 
iLi^  *K    ^^''^'  *^^  ^^y  ^^^^  ^^^'  determination  was 
formed,  the  wind  came  on  to  blow  fresh  from  the  south 

ard,  when  I  parted  my  larboard  cable,  and  lagged  m^ 
tooard  anchor  directly  out  to  sea-not  a  molfnt  wi 


m 


I 


200 

to  be  lost  in  getting  sail  on  the  ship—the  enemy  ;rere 
close  in  with  the  point,  forming  the  west  side  of  the  bay  I 
but,  on  opening  them,!  saw  a  prospect  of  passing  to  wind-l 
ward — when  1  took  in  my  top-gallant  sails,  which  werel 
set  over  single  reefed  top-sails,  and  braced  up  for  tlij 
purpose;  but,  on  rounding  the  point,  a  heavy  squaill 
struck  the  ship,  and  carried  away  her  main  top-mast,  pre-i 
ciptatin^  the  men,  who  were  aloft,  into  the  sea,  who  were 
drowned.    Both  ships  now  gave  chase  to  me,  and  leni 
deayored,  in  my  disabled  state,  to  gain  the  port}  but] 
finding  I  could  not  recover  the  common  anchorage,  I  ran 
close  mto  a  small  bay,  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  (o 
leeward  of  the  battery,  on  the  east  side  of  the  harbor,  and 
let  go  my  anchor  within  pistol-shot  of  the  shore,  where 
Intended  to  repair  my  damages,  as  soon  as  possible.  Th« 
enemy  continued  to  approach,  and  showed  an  evident  ini 
tention  of  attacking,  regardless  of  the  neutrality  of  thJ 
place  where  I  was  anchored  ;  and  the  caution  they  ob 
served,  in  their  approach  to  the  attack  of  the  cripplel 
Essex,  was  truly  ric^culous,  as  was  their  display  ortheil 
motto-flags,  and  the  number  of  jacks,  at  all  their  mas( 
heads.  I,  with  as  much  expedition  as  circumstances  wouW 
admit  of,  got  my  ship  ready  for  action,  and  endeavored  t] 
get  a  spring  on  my  cable ;  but  had  not  succeeded  whej 
the  enemy,  at  54  minutes  after  3,  P.  M.  made  his  attack] 
the  Phoebe  placing  herself  under  my  stern,  and  the  Chel 
rub  on  my  starboard  bow ;  but  the  Cherub,  soon  findin/ 
her  situation  a  hot  one,  bore  up,  and  ran  under  my  sten 
also,  where  both  ships  kept  up  a  hot  raking  fire.    I  hal 
got  3  long  12  pounders  out  of  the  stern  ports,  which  we  J 
worked  with  so  much  bravery  and  skilf  that,  in  half  aj 
hour,  vve  so  disabled  both,  as  to  compel  them  to  haul  off 
to  repair  damages.     In  the  course  of  this  firing,  I  had,  b] 
the  great  exertions  of  Mr.  Ed.  Barnwell,  the  acting  sailing 
master,  assisted  by  Mr.  Linscott,  the  boatswain,  succeed, 
ed  in  getting  springs  on  our  cable,  at  three  different  times! 
but  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  so  excessive,  that  before  w^ 
could  get  our  broadside  to  bear,  they  were  shot  away 
%nd  thus  rendered  useless  to  us.     My  ship  had  receivefi 
many  injuries,  and  several  had  been  killed  and  wounded] 


^^^^^^^H^iip^*''-'**'*^'  ■ 


^01 

W  HIT  brave  officers  and  men,  notwitbatandioff  the  ue. 
favorable  circumstances  under  which  we  were  bfought  to 
action  and  the  powerful  force  opposed  to  us,  were  no 
np  discouraged;   all  appeared *3eterminedoJelnd 

r^sMi  titder-^^^'  ^"^  *°  ^^^  -  p-^-- 

^  Our  gafl^  with  the  ensign  and  motto-flaff  at  the  mizen 
had  been  shot  away;  but  "  Free  trade  and^saSors' rS' 
con  inued  to  fly,  at  the  fore-our  ensign  was  replacfd  b^ 

iraa  made  last  in  the  mizen  rigg  ng,  and  several  mrta 

fer,  ou^  oi  the  reach  of  my  carronades,  and  where  mv 
tem  guns  cou  d  not  be  brou^:ht  to  bear    he  there  ke^^ 

B  urn— when  I  saw  no  prospect  of  injuring  him  without 
je  ting  under  wav,  and  beco^ng  the  aisailfn^My  to^ 
N. sheets,  and  liahards,  were  III  'shot  away,  as  w^U  £ 
h.b  and  fore  top-mast  stav-sail  haliards ;  L  onlTroDe 
k cut    was  the  flying-jib  Uards;  andWtSgX 
Liv  sail  I  could  set,  1  caused  it  to  be  hoisted,  my  fable 
be  cut,  and  ran  down  on  both  ships,  with  an  intention 
.flaying  the  Phoebe  on  board.     The^ring,  on Lth 'i^^^^^^ 
jas  now  tremendous ;  I  had  let  fall  my  fS^e-top  sail  and 
h-sail ;  but  the  want  of  tacks  and  sheets  rendered  them 
most  useless  to  us  ;  yet  we  were  enabled,  for  a  short 
toe,  to  close  with  the  enemy;  and  although  our  decks 
kere  now  strewed  with  dead,  and  our  cock-pit  filled  with 
kounded.  although  our  ship  had  been  several  times  on 
pre,  and  was  rendered  a  perfect  wreck,  we  were  still  en- 
Lraged  to  hope  to  save  her.  from  the  circumstance  of 

tl  ^r  4h'^^  ^'  ""Pf''"^  ^*"*^'  ^^""S  compelled  to 
'      K   K  \^^^"*  "°*  ''^*"^"  *°  ^•"^^  action  aVain,  al- 
igh  she  had  It,  apparently,  in  her  power  to  do  so ;  but 

C  "P  ^,^'«S"t  fi"°g'  with  her  long  guns.  The  Phoebe, 
hm  our  disabled  state,  was  enabled,''however,  by  edging 
oa,  to  choose  the  distance  which  best  suited  her  Fonl 
pns,and  kept  up  a  tremendous  fire  pa  tta,  which  mo^^5\ 
I  C  c 


f-:. 


/I 


■•\ 


I 


202 


ll' 


'is  111.  I* 


down  my  bravo  companions  by  the  dozen  ;  many  of  my 
guns  had  been  rendered  useless  by  the  enemy's  shot,  and  I 
many  of  them  had  their  yvhole  crews  destroyed — we 
manned  them  again,  from  those  which  were  disabled ;  and  I 
one  gun,  in  particular,  was  three  times  manned — 15  men 
were  slain,  at  it,  in  the  course  of  the  action !  but,  strange 
as  it  may  appear,  the  Captain  of  it  escaped  with  only  a 
slight  wound.    Finding  that  the  enemy  had  it  in  liis  pow-l 
er  to  choose  his  distance,  I  now  gaye  up  all  hopes  ofl 
closing  with  him ;    and,  as  the  wmd,  for  the  moment,] 
seemed  to  favour  the  dedign,  I  determined  to  endeavor  to] 
run  her  on  shore,  land  my  men,  and  destroy  her ;  eve-l 
ry  thing  seemed  to  favor  my  wishes-— we  had  approached! 
the  shore,  within  musquet-shot,  and  I  had  no  doubt  of 
sticceeding,  when,  in  an  instant,  the  wind  shifted  from  the 
land,  and  payed  our  head  down  on  the  Phoebe,  where  we 
were  again  exposed  to  a  dreadful  raking  fire.  My  ship  was 
now  totally  unmanageable ;  yet,  as  her  head  was  towari 
the  enemy,  and  he  to  leeward  of  me,  I  still  hoped  to  be, 
able  to  board  him.     At  this  moment,  IJeut.  Commandanj 
Downs  came  on  board  to  receive  my  orders,  under  the  im] 
pression  that  1  should  soon  be  a  prisoner ;  he  could  be  o\ 
no  use  to  me  in  the  then  wretched  state  of  the  Essex;  an( 
finding,  (from  the  enemy's  putting  his  helm  up,)  thatmj 
last  attempt  at  boarding  would  not  succeed,  I  directed 
him  to  return  to  his  own  ship,  to  be  prepared  for  defend] 
ing  and  destroying  her,  in  case  of  attack;  he  took  witlj 
him  several  of  my  wounded,  leaving  three  of  his  boat'] 
crew-  on  board,  to  make  room  for  fliem.    The  Cherul 
now  had  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing  herself,  by  keep 
ing  up  a  hot  fire  on  him,  during  his  return.     The  slaugh 
ter,  on^^Jboard  my  shio,  had  now  become  horrible ;  the  ene 
my  continuing  to  rake  us,  and  we  unable  to  bring  a  gut 
to  bear.    I  therefore  directed  a  hawser  to  be  bent  to  m 
sheet  anchor,  and  the  anchor  to  be  cut  from  the  bows,  tj 
bring  her  head  round— this  succeeded — we  again  got  ou 
broadside  to  bear ;  and,  as  the  enemy  was  much  cnpplec 
and  unable  to  hold  his  own,  I  have  no  doubt  he  would 
soon  have  drifted  out  of  gun-shot,  before  he  discoverel 
we  had  anchored,  had  not  the  hawser  unfortunately  part] 


'^: 


203 
ed.    M J  ship  had  taken  fire  several  times,  during  the  ac- 

-the  flames  were  bursting  up  each  hatch-way,  and  no 

KLl'':5-r^''''"'Yr'"ff  *^«''  «"-  distance  from 
die  shore  did  not  exceed  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  and  I 

toped  many  of  my  brave  ci^w\ould  be  abTe  to  save 

Jemselves,  should  the  ship  blow  up,  as  I  was  informed 

the  fire  was  near  the  magazine-anS  the  explosion™  a 

\kge  quantity  of  powder  below,  served  to  increase  h^ 

\tZl  ""^rV^^'^'i'^!''    ?"^  ^«^^«  ^^'«  destroyed  b; 
the  enem^  s  shot ;  I  therefore  directed  those  who  coulH 

twim,  to  jump  overboard,  and  endeavor  to  gain  the  shore. 
Some  reached  it,  some  were  taken  by  the  enemy,  and 
hm  perished, n  the  attempt ;  but  most  preferred  shariW. 
fth  me,  the  filte  of  the  sfcp.     We,  wL  remained,  now 
Ituraed  our  attention  wholly  to  extinguishing  the  flames  : 
d,  when  we  had  succeeded,  went  again  to  our  guns 
lihere  the  firing  was  kept  up  for  some  minutes;  but  the 
Iflevr  had,  by  this  time,  become  so  weakened,  that  they  all 
Ideclared  to  me  the  impossibility  of  making  further  resis- 
Ibnce;    and  entreated  me  to  surrender  my  ship  to  save 
liie  wounded,  as  all  further  attempt  at  opposition  must 
lorove  meflectual— almost  every  gun  being  disabled  by 
Ithe  destruction  of  their  crews.    I  now  sent  for  the  officers 
if'ilvisions,  to  consult  them;  but,  what  was  my  surprise 
llo  find  only  acting  Lieut.  Stephen  D.  M'Knight  remain- 
ID^,  (who  confirmed  the  report  respecting  the  condition 
lofthe  guns,  on  the  gun-deck;  those  on  the  spar-deck 
Ifere  not  in  a  better  state.) 

I  Lieut.  Wihner,  after  fighting  most  gallantly,  through- 
lout  the  action,  had  been  knocked  overboard,  by  a  splin- 
Iter,  while  getting  the  sheet  anchor  from  the  bows,  and 
Itas  drowned.  Acting  Lieut.  John  G.  Cowell  had  lost  a 
Ifeg;  Ed.  Barnwell,  acting  sailing-master,  had  been  car- 
Ined  below,  after  receiving  two  severe  wounds,  one  in  the 
llireast,  and  one  in  the  face ;  and  acting  Lieut.  W.  H.  Oden- 
lleimer  had  been  knocked  overboard,  from  the  quarter, 
Im  instant  before,  and  did  not  regain  the  ship  until  after 
m  surrender.    I  was  informed  that  the  cock-pit,  the 


?-i 


>■  t 


* 

1' 

'11 

m  m 

■\'> 

i, 
t 

l».l 

4 

ll!li« 

JiHItfl 

'v-Jk 


V 


w 


m    il 


204 

ftteerage,  the  ward-room,  and  the  birth-deck,  could  con- 
tain  no  more  wounded-^that  the  wounded  were  killed! 
while  the  surgeons  were  dressing  them ;  and  that,  unless] 
something  was  speedily  done  to  prevent  it,  the  ship  would] 
soon  sink,  from  the  number  of  shot-holes  in  her  bottom  •] 
and  on  sending  for  the  carpenter,  he  informed  me  that  all] 
his  crew  had  oeen  killed  or  wounded  ;  and  that  he  hadl 
once  been  over  the  side,  to  stop  the  leaks,  when  his  slinffgl 
had  been  shot  away,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  he  was! 
saved  from  drowning.     The  enemy,  from  the  smoothness! 
of  the  water,  and  the  impossibility  of  our  reaching  bin 
with  our  carronades,  and  the  little  apprehension  that  was 
excited  by  our  fire,  which  had  now  become  much  slacks 
ened,  was  enabled  to  take  aim  at  us,  as  at  a  target;  hii 
shot  never  missed  our  hull ;  and  my  ship  was  cut  up  in  a 
manner,  which  was,  perhaps,  never  before  witnessed— in 
fine,  I  saw  no  hopes  of  saving  her  ;  and,  at  20  minutel 
after  6,  P.  M.  gave  the  painful  order  to  strike  the  colors] 
Seventy-five  men,  including  officers,  were  all  that  remainj 
cd,  of  my  whole  crew,  after  the  action,  capable  of  doing 
duty ;  and  many  of  them  severelj^  wounded,  some  of  whon 
have  since  died.     The  enemy  still  continued  his  fire,  and, 
my  brave,  though  unfortunate  companions,  were  still  fall] 
ing  about  me.     I  directed  an  opposite  gun  to  be  fired,  tq 
shew  them  we  intended  no  further  resistance;  but  thej 
did  nr^t  desist — ^four  men  were  killed  at  my  side,  and 
others  in  different  parts  qf  the  ship.    I  now  believed  M 
intended  to  show  us  no  quarter,  and  that  it  would  be  ^ 
•well  to  die  with  our  flag  flying  as  struck,  and  was  on  thJ 
point  of  again  hoisting  it,  when,  about  ten  minutes  aftei] 
hauling  the  colors  down,  he  ceased  firing.  1 

I  cannot  speak  in  sufficiently  high  terms  of  the  conducl 
of  those  engaged,  for  such  an  unparalleled  length  of  timej 
under  such  circumstances,  with  me,  in  ^e  arduous  and 
unequal  contest.     Let  it  suffice  to  say,  that  more  braverj 
skill,  patriotism,  and  zeal,  were  never  displayed  on  anj 
occasion.     Every  one  seemed  determined  to  die  in  del 
fence  of  their  muchioved  country's  cause ;  and  nothina 
but  views  of  humanity,  could  ever  have  reconciled  thei 
to  the  surrender  of  the  ship;    they  ramembered  thei^ 


^Wi 

1 

■■nf^i 

%l'i 

^Bl  il 

mj 

^^^P'?»''  /- 1 

n'  ' 

203 

wounded  and  helpless  shipmates  below.    To  actincr  Lieu- 

tenants  M.Kn.ght  and  oJenheimer,  I  feel  much  inSebted, 

for  their  great  exertions  and  bravery  throughout  the  ac 

lK,n.  in  fiditin.,  and  encouraging  tL  men  Vtherdivl 

mns;  for  the  dexterous  management  of  the  long  gun  . 

«.d  for  their  Dronrptness  in  re-manning  their  guns  f  sfheir 

ci^ws  were  slaughtered.     The  conduct  of  that  brave  and 

eroic  officer,  actmg  Lieut.  John  G.  Cowell,  who  lost  hU 

ks  in  the  latter  nart  of  the  action,  excited  the  adiXation 

ofevery  man  in  tlie  ship ;  and  after  being  wounded/vvould 

jot  consent  to  he  taken  below,  until  loss%f  bloodTender- 

ed  him  insensible.     Mr.  Edward  Barnwell,  acting  saiJ- 

in^-masten  whose  activity  and  courage  was  equa"fy  co„- 

Lpc^ous,  retmriedon  deck,  after  his  Lt  woun^  andT 

f  Kin  '/    m'^c '''"^,*'i?  '"'^^"^^  "»*•'  f«'"ting  vith  loss 

VLI    u  r^'-  ^'T"'  ^;  •'«^>"««"'  ^^'^«  had  joined  mc 

he  dav  before,  and  acted  as  marine  officer,  conducted 

msel/ with  great  bravery,  and  exerted  himsWrassS 

LL  K  •    '''"^,S""^-  *'^«  musquetry,  after  the  first  half 
hour,  being  useless,  from  our  long  distance. 

•  M.  W.  Bostwick,  whom^I  had  appointed  acting 

r5iS^theH^"'%'^T-'  ^"^  ^»^°  w- on  board  mf 

Kl  K-  I    *  f  ""^  ^'^' '?  e  '"^""^^  ^h'c'^  reflects  on 

n     A^^r^  ''°"°';/  ^"^  Midshipmen  Isaacs,  Farra- 

fjaml  YT'  ^'  ^'"  ""1 1^*'"^  Midshipmen  James  Tor- 

£'.Z    wn^^'n'""^  ^""^"^^  Duzenbuiy,  and  mas- 

ir     7*f -^  ^''''"'.  '""''^'^  themselves  in  the  per- 

formance  of  their  respective  duties,  and  gave  an  earnest 

of  their  value  to  the  service ;  the  three  firs^t  are  too  Png 

to  recommend  for  promotion-the  latter,  I  beg  leave  t! 

recommend  for  confTrmation,  as  well  as  the  ac^ng  ILu^ 

\t         rT  S*"^"  ""fortunate,  but  not  disgraced;  the  de- 
fence of  the  Essex  has  not  been  less  honoLle  t^her  offi. 

W  ^Jr'  *''"" -^^ '-^^'T  ^^  ^" «^"^'  ^o«=o  ;  and  I 
C  Hm  ^7  .^•*".^*'«»  J«ss  unpleasant  than  that  of 

ta£3  r  &  ^""^  J-T'^^'-'  °^  ^^^  "ghts  of  nations, 

Wnff  i    ,    iT''"H""P?^^^  «^^*^'  within  pistol! 
m  of  a  nm/r«/ shore-when,  /Sr  six  weeks,  I  had  daily 


'    * 


■V,      il 


20b 


iV- 


JU 


■l>lf 


offered  him  fair  and  honorable  combat,  on  terma  greatly 
to  his  advantage ;  the  blood  of  the  slain  must  be  on  his 
head;  and  he  has  yet  to  reconcile  his  conduct  to  heaven 
to  his  conscience,  and  to  the  world.  The  annexed  ex' 
tract  of  a  letter  from  Commodore  Hillyar,  which  wis 
written  previous  to  his  returning  me  my  sword,  will  show 
his  opinion  of  our  conduct. 

My  loss  has  been  dreadfully  severe — 58  killed,  (or 
have  since  died  of  their  wounds,;  and,  among  them,  Lieut. 
Cowell — 39  were  severely  wounded ;  27  slightly,  and  31 
are  missing — making,  in  all,  154  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing. 

The  professional  knowledge  of  Doctor  Richard  Hoff- 
man,  acting  surgeon,  and  Doctor  Alexander  Montgomery, 
acting  surgeon's  mate,  added  to  their  assiduity,  and  the 
benevolent  attentions  and  assistance  of  Mr.  D.  P.  Adams, 
the  chaplain,  saved  the  lives  of  many  of  the  wounded; 
those  gentlemen  have  been  indefatigable  in  their  atten 
tions  to  them ;  the  two  first  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  foi 
confirmation,  and  the  latter  to  the  notice  of  the  depart. 
ment. 

I  must,  in  justification  of  myself,,  observe,  that  with  ou 
six  12  pounders  only,  we  fought  this  action  ;  our  carron 
ades  being  almost  useless. 

The  loss,  in  killed  and  wounded,  has  been  great  withi 
the  enemy;  among  the  former  is  the  1st  Lieut,  of  the 
Phoebe ;  and  of  the  latter,  Capt.  Tucker,  of  the  Cherub, 
whose  wounds  are  severe,  lioth  the  Essex  and  Phcel 
were  in  a  sinking  state ;  and  it  was  with  difficulty  the^^ 
c^ould  be  kept  auoat,  until  they  anchored  in  ValparaisoJ 
next  morning.  The  battered  state  of  the  Essex  will,  1 
believe,  prevent  her  from  ever  reaching  England ;  and,  I 
also  think,  it  will  be  out  of  their  power  to  repair  the  da' 
mages  of  the  Phcebe,  so  as  to  enable  her  to  double  Ca^ 
Horn.  All  the  masts  and  yards  of  the  Phcebe,  and  Che 
rub,  are  badly  crippled,  and  their  hulls  much  cut  up — thi 
former  had  eighteen  ]  2  pr.  shot  through  her,  below  he 
water  line,  some  three  feet  urijder  water.  Nothing  but  tb 
smoothness  of  the  water,  saved  both  the  Phoebe  and  Essex 
I  hope,  sir,  that  our  conduct  may  prove  satisfactory  t 


I 


our  carronn 


207 

L"wrtoVove^^^^^^^       "'  "^^  "«^'"  »'^^^  ^'  -<>- 

•^.li'T'^/*';^  **^?!^'^''  '  ^"^  informed,  has  thouirht 
re 7.  .?-''^*^  h,8  government,  that  the  action  oSly 
lasted  45  minutes;  should  he  have  done  so,  the  mot?ve 

r?Ll?"'?''^''^^'^'"^•    »"*  *he  thousinds  of  dls- 
iDleres  ed  witnesses,  who  covered  the  surrounding  hils 
can  testify  that  we  fought  his  ships  near  two  ho?rs  and 
an  half.    Upwards  of  fifty  broadsides  were  fired  bv 
the  enemy,  agreeably  to  their  own  account ;  and  ud- 
jards  of  seventy-five  by  ours.  Except  the  fe^  minute. 
Ley  were  repairing  damages,  the  firing  was  incessant 
Soon  after  my  capture,  1  entered  intS  an  agreement 
«th  Commodore  ifillyar^to  disarm  my  prizef  the  Es- 
«x  Junior,  and  proceed  with  the  survivorsof  my  offi- 
cers and  crew   in  her,  to  the  United  States.    He  con- 
«n  ed  to  grant  her  a  passport,  to  secure  her  from  r"- 
Jcpture.    The  ship  was  small,  and  we  knew  we  had 
much  to  sufier ;  yet  we  hoped  soon  to  reach  our  coun- 

lertoaeryei.  This  arrangement  was  attended  with 
loo  additional  expence,  as  she  was  abundantly  supplied 
fith  provisions,  and  stores,  for  the  voyage 

l/^Ju?'*'®^'?  ^o"^™odore  Hillyar,  I  must  observe 

I  at,  although  I  can  never  be  reconciled  to  the  manne,' 

Ijf  his  attack  upon  the  Essex,  or  to  his  conduct  before 

lliie  action,  he  has,  since  our  capture,  shown  the  great- 

I.  humanity  to  my  wounded,  Twhom  he  permitted  mo 

Itoland,  on  condition  that  the  l).  States  should  bear  the 

leipences ;)  and  has  endeavored,  as  much  as  lay  in  his 

Ipower,  to  alleviate  the  distresses  of  war,  by  the  mZ 

henerousand  delicate  deportment  towards  myself  my 

lofficers,  and  crew.    He  gave  orders  that  the  property 

lof every  person  should  be  respected  ;  his  orders,  how- 

lew,  were  not  so  strictly  attended  to,  as  might  have 

teen  expected  :    besides  being  deprived  Tbookf 

c  arts,  &c.  both  myself  and  offiLs  lost  many  articled 

lot  clothing,  some  to  a  considerable  amount.    I  should 

not  have  considered  this  last  circumstance  of  sufficient 


i 

:' S.Mi  P 

III 


-"-— *«fc„-< 


i 


!W. 


208 

lynportoo^ie  to  notice,  did  it  not  mark  a  sriking  ditferJ 
ence  between  the  navy  of  G.  Britain,  and  the  U.  States 
highly  credible  to  the  latter.  '' 

fo  possess  the  Essex,  it  has  cost  the  British  govern-, 
ment  nearly  six  millions  of  dollars  ;  an«l  yet,  sir,  her 
capture  was  owing  entirely  to  accident ;  and,  if  we  con- 
sider the  expedition  with  which  na^al  contests  are  now! 
decided,  the  action  is  a  dishonor  to  them.  Had  thevl 
brought  their  ships  boldly  into  action,  with  a  force  sol 
very  superior,  and  having  the  choice  of  position,  thev 
should  either  have  captured  6r  destroyed  us,  in  ont 
fourth  the  time  they  were  about  it. 

During  the  action,  our  Consul  General,  Mr.  PoinsettJ 
called  on  the  Governor  of  Valparaiso,  and  requeslec 
that  the  batteries  might  protect  the  Essex ;  this  re-l 
quest  was  refused  ;  but  he  promised,  if  she  should  such 
ceed  in  fighting  her  way  to  the  common  anchorage,  he 
would  send  an  officer  to  the  British  commander,  ani 
request  him  to  cease  firing;  but  declined  using  force] 
under  any  circumstances ;— and,  there  is  no  doubt,  1 
perfect  understanding  existed  between  them.  Thisconj 
duct,  added  to  the  assistance  given  to  the  British,  m 
their  friendlv  reception,  after  the  action,  and  the  stronfi 
bias  of  the  faction,  which  govern  Chili,  in  favor  of  tht. 
English,  as  well  as  their  hostility  to  the  Americans,  in] 
duced  Mr.  Poinsett  to  leave  that  country.  Under  sucli 
circumstances,  I  did  not  conceive  it  would  be  proper 
for  me  to  claim  the  restoration  of  my  ship,  confidenj 
that  the  claim  would  be  made  by  my  governraenl] 
with  more  effect.  Finding  some  difficulty,  in  the  sale 
of  my  prizes,  I  had  taken  the  Hector  and  Catharine  le 
sea,  and  burnt  them,  with  their  cargoes. 

I  exchanged  Lieut.  M*Knight,  Mr.  Adams,  and  Mr| 
Lyman,  and  1 1  seamen,  for  a  part  of  the  crew  of  the 
Sir  A.  Hammond,  and  sailed  from  Valparaiso  on  the 
27th  of  April,  where  the  enemy  were  still  patching  uj 
their  ships,  to  put  them  in  a  state  for  proceeding  to  Ric 
de  Janeiro,  previous  to  going  to  England. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  D.  PORTER. 

Zfon.  Sec.  Navy. 


209 
[LETTER  REFERRED  TO  m  THE  WREGOIiyo  1 
^'^''-^o/aUHerJ,omCo^,„aij,artoCapt.P^er. 

U    M     J  r,  "  ^^"'*''  ^/''«'  4'^»   1814. 

%  ciwr  «ir-Neither  in  our  convemtioL  n      • 
the  accompan>'in^  letter,  have  I  mtn^K  v^^^^^^^  """* !? 
Ascribe  my  remisqnpqa    ,-n  |u^V,"°"^"}^our  sword. 

n  possession  of  him  who  wore  it  so  honorahlv    S.  V 
fending  his  country's  cause.  "o^orably,  m  de- 

I  «  Believe  me,  &c. 

"  Captainfo'rZ'}^  "  '^^^^  HILLYAR. 


in:i-« 


BATTLE  AT  CHIPPEWA  PLAINS 

Sr R— F v«,.  ^hipperva  Plains,  July  6. 1 8 1 4 

Jiighlofthe4lb  larS./.'!,-     .        oe''«'l'.  on  the 

General  Sc„rhaVw  uVe„  .^^^^^^^^^  «he  reserve, 

Iwith  the  van      mJ.  "^  position,  about  noon, 

W i     ™a?-the^,fern"r&Te^;.  oTSi.  """ 

t.i'r':,;d"adT  '>"•';  «T  «-"•  "^ctins  rin: 

"elhan  to  ^^""^  *"  '^^'•"'*'  «'>»•  "  «  better  to 
IS  about  ^^M*  I"  ?"?u''''  ,'^""'*  fr"™  behind  hfa 
per  of  battle      w'''h'".  "'«,»««™«on  of  the  5th,  ta 

I'losely  pressed,  and  „ouW  have  b:enXly"4:3! 


'.i  fi 


'U* 


210 

but  for  the  proxiinitv  of  his  works,  whillier  li(j  flod  for 
shelter.  The  wounded  of  the  enemy,  and  those  of  our 
own  army,  must  be  attended  to — they  will  be  removed 
to  Bufiuloe  ;  this,  with  my  limited  means  of  transporta- 
tion, will  take  a  day  or  two ;  after  which,  I  shall  ad- 
vance,  not  doubting  but  that  the  gallant  and  accom- 
plished troops  I  led,  will  break  down  all  opposition,  l)e- 1 
tween  me  and  lake  Ontario,  when,  if  met  by  the  fleet, 
all  is  well — if  not,  under  the  favor  of  heaven,  we  shall 
behave  in  a  way  to  avoid  disgrace.  My  detailed  re-j 
port  shall  be  made  in  a  day  or  two. 
I  am,  &c. 

J  VCOB  BROWN. 
Hon.  Sec.  War. 


PROCEEDINGS  ON  LAKE  ONTARIO. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Com.  Chauncey,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  S.  H.  Superior,  Sacket'a  Harbor,  July  7, 1814. 

SIR — I  am  happ^  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  detail 
to  you,  another  brilliant  achievement  of  Lieut  Gregory] 
with  his  brave  companions. — I  received^  informalionl 
some  time  since,  that  the  enemy  was  building  a  largd^ 
schooner,  at  Presque-Isle.  On  the  26th  ult.  I  direclec 
Lieut.  Gregory  to  take  with  him  Messrs.  Vaughn  and 
Dixon,  proceed,  with  the  two  largest  gigs,  to  NicholaJ 
island,  (within  about  7  miles  of  Presque-Isle  harbor,] 
and  there  conceal  his  boats,  and  wait  for  some  trans 
ports,  which,  I  had  information,  were  expected  there  t^ 
take  up  provisions  and  munitions  of  war,  which  haj 
been  sent  up  the  bay  of  duintu,  for  the  troops  at  Yorl 
and  fort  George ;  but,  if  these  transports  did  not  raakj 
their  ^'MO-anceina  or  4  days,  then  to  proceed  tj 
Presr*'t  and  buu  ^ he  vessel  on  the  stocks— bi 

witl  [       ^*(:  jrders  not  to  injure  a  private  building 
private  property. 

The  day  after  Lieut.  Gregory  arrived  on  the  coasl 
he  discovered  a  vessel  beating  up;  but,  just  as  hi 
shoved  off'to  board  her,  a  large  gun-boat  hove  in  sigh! 


811 

L  little  below  him  ;  this  boat  made  a  signal  to  the  vea- 

k  1    bol  "'V"PT  "r!"^''  ^*^^'  '^'^^^^  a„d"«toodibr 

dl  r'he  r«..wV\"*,  ^'"^"'•^  ^f  ^t«^  »"«  boats  as 
veil  aa  he  could    but  was  apprehensive  tliat  he  had 

ken      covered.  The  «un-boat,  and  her  convoy.  whi?h 
r  '^""  "^^'""P^.  «t<»od  into  Presque-Isle.  Lieut  Ore 
gory  was  determined  to  ascertain  whether  hehad  b^en 
iscovered ;  acordingly.  ho  sent  one  of    h  boatsln 

ll^eV£^ra^  ««'o-«f  the  inhabitants'  :;io 
luilormed  iiirn  that  it  was  known  he  was  on  the  coast 
.nd  that  two  expresses  had  been  sent  to  Kingslon  in 
consequence  ;  he,  therefore,  determined  upZexecut" 
Wthe  la  ter  part  of  his  instructions,  and  made  his  ar- 
hngenients  accordingly-landed,  placed  centinerat 
I  e  houses,  to  prevent  alarm,  and  set  fire  to  the  vessel 

;  1  b«nrve"stl^^^  ''"'•'  '''  ^^""^''•'     Sbe  was  a  stout 

f  have  llpn   '  ^"  rr   '^  g""^'  «"^'  ^«"id  probal 

■DI7  nave  been  launched  in  about  JO  davs      A  srn,ii 

Lre-house,  which  contained  stores  for  The  vesfel  wa 
loavoidably  burnt,  as  it  was  so  near  the  vesseT  that  it 
Itook  fire  from  her.  Lieut.  Gregory  Lrnr  from  tl. 
Lbabitants,  that  much  property  L^lLen  sent  up  a 
Iw  days  previous ;  that  a  com'pany,  of  the  Glen£rv 
rcgunent,  had  been  stationed  there,  but  had  been^se  ft 
York  a  few  days  before;  another  companrwas  on 
r  "'?•'  ITa  ?»"««*«"'  to  replace  them ,-  thelew  mili 
la.  which  had  been  left  to  guard  the  vessel  and  proper- 
llj,  retreated,  upon  the  approach  of  our  boats.  As  s^>n 
h  the  vessel  was  entirely  consumed.  Lieu  Gregory 
l^mbarked  his  men.  without  having  permitted  oife  oiF 

K  ^^  l"/"'  ^  ^""^^-    *''"^''ng  th?  a^^rm  so  general 
thought  prudent  to  cross  thelake  immediatdy    he 
topped  one  day  at  Oswego,  for  refreshment,  and  ar! 
nved  here  last  evening-having  performed  a  most 
Put.'''"''''  ^i*^'  *>i«  usuafgJuantry  and  gTod 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
«»..  ff  /««.,  S.O.  N.vy'"*''^  CHAUNCEY. 


ill 


lks^Ul£iiSa£, 


% 


ii'      II 


212 
FURTHER,  OF  THE  BATTLE  OF  CHIPPEWA. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Major-Oeneral  Brown,  to  ih«  Secretary  of 
"  War,  dated 

H.  Q.  Chippewa  Plains,  July  7, 1814. 

DEAR  Sn{ — On  the  second  inst.  I  issued  my  or- 
ders f(v  crossing  the  Niagara  river,  and  made  the  ar-j 
rangemfnts,  deemed  necessary,  for  securing  the  garri- 
son of  fort  Erie.  On  the  3d,  that  post  surrendered,  at 
5,  P.  M.  Our  loss,  in  tliis  affair,  was  four  wounded— 
1  have  enclosed  a  return  of  the  prkoners,  of  the  ord-| 
nance,  and  ordnance  stores,  captured. 

To  secu'-?  my  rear,  I  have  placed  a  garrison  in  (hisl 
fort,  and  requested  Capt.  Kennedy,  to  station  his  ves- 
sels near  the  post. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  Brig.  Gen.  Scott,  with! 
his  brigade,  and  a  corps  of  artillery,  was  ordered  lo  ad-j 
vance  towards  Chippewa,  and  be  governed  by  circum-^ 
stances — taking  care  to  secure  a  good  military  position 
for  the  night.  After  some  skirmishing  with  the  enemy] 
he  selected  this  plain,  with  the  eye  of  a  soldier— hia 
right  resting  on  the  river,  and  a  ravine  being  in  front] 
At  II,  at  night,  I  joined  him  with  the  reserve,  under 
Gen.  Ripley,  our  field,  and  battering  train,  and  corps  oi 
artillery  under  Maj.  Hindman.  Gen.  Porter  arrived, nexJ 
morning,  with  a  part  of  the  N.  Y.  and  Pennsylvania  vo| 
lunteers,  and  some  of  the  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations] 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  enemy  com 
menced  a  petty  war  upon  our  pickets,  and,  as  he  \va^ 
indulged,  his  presumption  increased; — by  noon,  he 
showed  himself  on  the  left  of  our  exterior  line,  and  atj 
tacked  one  of  our  pickets,  as  it  was  returning  to  camp] 
Capt.  Treat,  who  commanded  it,  retired,  disgracefullyj 
leaving  a  wounded  man  on  the  ground.  Capt.  Biddlej 
of  the  artillery,  who  was  near  the  scene,  impelled  by 
feelingb,  highly  honorable  to  him,  as  a  soldier  and  off 
cer,  promptly  assumed  the  command  of  this  pirket- 
led  it  back  to  the  wounded  man,  and  brought  him  of 
the  field.  1  ordered  Capt.  Treat,  on  the  spot,  to  retird 
from  the  army ;   and,  as  I  am  anxious  that  no  officeJ 


213 

Aall  remain  under  my  command,  who  can  be  suspect- 
ed of  cowardice,  I  advise  that  Capt.  Treat,  and  Lieut 
— --,  who  was  also  with  the  picket,  be  struck  from' 
the  rolls  of  the  army. 

At  4  o'clock.  P.  M.  agreeably  to  a  plan  I  had  given 
Gen.  Porter,  he  advanced  from  the  rear  of  our  camo 
hth  the  volunteers  and  Indians,  (taking  the  woods,  in 
order  to  keep  out  of  view  of  the  enemy,)  with  a  hope 
ofbr,ngingh.s  pickets,  andscouting  parties,  between 
M  ( Porter  s)  line  of  march,  and  our  camp.    As  Porter 
bved,  i  ordered  the  parties,  advanced  in  front  of  our 
tamp,  to  fall  back,  gradually,  under  the  enemy's  fire, 
n    \^  i'^"^  ?'"''  impossible,  up  to  our  line.  About 
yf  past  4,  the  advance  of  Gen.  Porter's  command,  met 
ie  light  parties  of  the  enemy  in  the  woods,  upon  our 
(itreme  iett—the  enemy  were  driven ;  and  Porter  ad- 
rancing  near  to  Chippewa,  met  their  whole  column  in 
der  of  battle.    From  the  cloud  of  dust  rising,  and 
bbe  heavy  finng,  I  was  led  to  conclude  that  the  whole 
irce  ot  the  enemy  was  in  march,  and  prepared  for  ac- 
m.    I  immediately  ordered  Gen.  Scott  to  advance, 
Ifith  his  brpde,  and  Towson's  artillery,  and  meet 
llem  upon  the  plain,  in  front  of  our  camp.    The  Gen- 
Iral  did  not  expect  to  be  gratified,  so  soon,  with  a  field 
Iflgagement ;  he  advanced,  in  the  most  prompt  and 
Ifficer-like  style,  and,  m  a  few  minutes,  was  in  close 
■iction,  upon  the  plain,  with  a'superior  force  of  British 
fe^iilar  troops.    By  this  time.  Gen.  Porter's  command 
lad  given  way,  and  fled  in  every  direction,  notwith- 
^tending  his  personal  gallantry,  and  great  exertions  to 
^y  their  flight.    The  retreat  of  the  volunteers  and  In- 
dians, caused  the  left  flank  of  Gen.  Scott's  brio-ade  to 
1^  greatly  exposed.     Capt.  Harris,  with  his  dr'Jgoons, 
Ijas  directed  to  stop  the  fugitives,  behind  the  ravine 
Ifronting  our  camp ;  and  I  sent  Col.  Gardner  to  order 
fen.  Ripley,  to  advance  with  the  21st  regiment,  which 
Ir     i^^l\u^  **'^  reserve-pass  to  the  left  of  our 
I  amp,  skirt  the  woods,  so  as  to  keep  out  ^f  view,  and 
fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  right  flank ;  this  or- 
pr  was  promptly  obeyed ;  and  the  greatest  exertions 


'H 


..O: 


214 


I  1 


were  made  by  the  21st  regiment,  to  gain  their  position 
and  close  with  the  enemy— but  in  vain;  for  such  was! 
the  zeal  and  gallantry  of  the  line,  commanded  by  denj 
Scott,  that  its  advance  upon  the  enemy  was  not  to  bj 
checked.     Major  Jessup,  commanding  the  left  flanS 
battalion,  finding  himself  pressed  in  front,  and  in  flank  I 
and  his  men  falling  fast  around  him,  ordered  his  batta-l 
lion  to  "  support  arms,  and  advance."    The  order  waal 
promptly  obeyed,  amidst  the  most  deadly  and  destruc-l 
tive  fire ;  he  gained  a  more  secure  positio'n,  and  return-l 
ed  upon  the  enemy  so  galling  a  discharge,  as  caused 
them  to  retire.     By  this  time,  their  whole  line  was  falj^ 
ing  back,  and  our  gallant  soldiers  pressing  upontheml 
as  fast  as  possible.     As  soon  as  the  enemy  had  gainec" 
the  sloping  ground,  descending  towards  Chippewa,  anq 
distant  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  he  broke,  and  ran  to  gairj 
his  works;  in  this  effort,  he  was  too  successful;  and 
the  guns,  from  his  batteries,  opening  immediately  up! 
on  our  hue,  checked,  in  same  degree,  the  pursuit.   aJ 
this  moment,  I  resolved  to  bring  up  all  my  ordnance] 
and  force  the  place  by  a  direct  attack,  and  gave  the  or} 
der  accordingly.     Major  Wood,  of  the  corps  of  en^i 
neers,  and  my  aid,  Capt.  Austin,  rode  to  the  bank  ol 
the  creek,  towards  the  right  of  their  line  of  works,  anc 
examined  them.    I  was  induced,  by  the  lateness  of  theii 
report,  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  and  the  advice  of  Genl 
Scott,  and  Major  Wood,  to  order  the  forces  to  retire  k 
camp. 

My  most  difficult  duty  remains  to  be  performed- 
I  am  depressed  with  the  fear  of  not  being  able  to  da 
justice  to  my  companions  in  arms ;  and  apprehensive  thai 
some,  who  had  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing  them] 
selves,  and  promptly  embraced  it,  will  escape  my  notice 

Brig  Gen.  Scott  is  entitled  to  the  highest  praises  ou( 
country  can  bestow ;  to  him,  more  than  to  any  man,  ara 
I  indebted  for  the  victory  of  the  5th  of  July— his  brigadfl 
has  covered  itself  with  glory.  Every  officer,  and  everj 
man  of  the  9th,  22d,  11th,  and  25th  regiments,  did  hil 
duty,  with  a  zeal  and  energv  worthy  of  the  Americad 
character.     Wtien  every  officer  stands  so  pre-eminentlj 


.^^' 


216 

igh  in  the  path  of  dutf  and  honor,  it  is  impossible  to 
tanate  ;  but  I  cannot  deprive  myself  of  the  pleasure 

%'T/'  i!r  •   ^^1^°''  Leavenworth  commanded  the  9th, 
,d  22d  ;  Major  Jessup  the  25th,  and  Major  M'Neil  the 
u    .11     ,V^™Pbe".  was  wounded  early  in  the  action, 
^  llantly  leadmg  on  his  regiment. 

The  family  of  General  IScott  were  conspicuous  in  the 
yd ;  Lieut.  Smith,  of  the  6th  infantry.  Major  of  Brigade, 
aid  Lieutenants  Worth  and  Watts,  his  aids. 

From  General  Ripley,  and  his  Brigade,  I  received  eve- 
yassistarice  that  I  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  render- 

?"i r^       o"*  '''^''''  ^''y  ^^^^  °^  ^^'^  r«^serve  into  action, 
jitilGen.  Porter's  command  had  given  way;  and  then 
Sen.  fecott  s  movements  were  so  rapid,  and  decisive,  that 
tm.  Kipley  could  not  get  up  in  time,  with  the  21st,  to 
fe  position  as  directed.     The  corps  of  artillery,  under 
Hajor  Hindman,  were  not  generally  in  action ;  this  was 
kt  their  fault.     Capt.  lowson's  company  was  the  only 
be  that  had  a  ful    opportunity  of  distinguishing  itself: 
fed  It  IS  believed  that  no  company  ever  embraced  an  op- 
krtunity  with  more  zeal,  or  more  success. 
A  detachment  from   the  2d   brigade,  under  the  com- 
mand ot  Lieut.  M'Donald,  penetrated  the  woods,  with  the 
tdians  and  volunteers,  and  for  their  support;  the  con- 
luct  of  M'Donald,  and  his  command,  reflects  high  honor 
Ipon  the  brigade  to  which  they  belong. 
I  The  conduct  of  Gen.  Porter  has  been  conspicuously 
[allant;  every  assistance,  in  his  power  to  afford,  with  the 
lescription  of  force  under  his  command,  has  been  render- 
Id;  we  could  not  expect  him  to  contend  with  the  British 
loluinn  of  regulars,  which  appeared  upon  the  plains  of 
IChippewa— It  was  no  cause  of  surprize  to  me,  to  see  his 
[lommand  retire  before  this  column. 
Justice  forbids  that  I  should  omit  to  name  my  own  fa- 
mlv :  they  yield  to  none,  in  honorable  zeal,  intellio-ence, 
ftnd  attention  to  duty— Col.  Gardner,  Major  Jonel,  and 
p  aids,  Captains  Austin  and  Spencer,  have  been  as  ac- 
fcve,  and  as  much  devoted  to  the  cause,  as  any  officers  of 
fie  army ;  their  conduct  merits  my  warmest  acknowledg- 
bents—of  Gardner  and  Jones.  I  shall  have  occasion  again 


/>'f) 


'*«._ 


216 

to  speak  to  you.     Major  Camp,  deputy  Quarter-mastel 
General,  deserves  my  particular  notice,  and  approbationi 
by  his  great  exertions  I  was  enabled  to  find  the  means  ( 
crossing.    Capt.  Daliba,  of  the  ordnance  department,  hs 
rendered  every  service  in  his  power. 

The  enclosed  return  will  show  you  our  loss,  and  kt 
nish  you  with  the  names  of  the  dead  and  wounded  ofi 
cers—these  gallai)t  men  must  not  be  forgotten ;  our  coue 
try  will  remember  them,  and  do  them  justice. 

Respectfully,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 
Hon.  Sec.  War. 

In  the  above  action,  the  enemy  had  208  killed,  and  9J 
wounded — 15  prisoners — Total,  308. 

Those  reported  under  the  head  of  wounded  and  prism 
ers  were  so  severely  injured,  that  it  would  have  been  im 
practicable  for  them  to  have  escaped.  The  enemy  ha] 
the  same  facilities  of  carrying  their  wounded  from  thefiel/ 
at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  as  ourselves ;  an! 
there  can  be  no  doubt,  from  the  information  that  I  hav, 
received  from  unquestionable  sources,  that  they  carriel 
from  the  field  as  many  of  their  wounded  as  is  reportel 
above  in  the  total.  f 

AZ.  ORNE,  Asst.  Ins.  Gei 

Our  loss  was  60  killed— 115  S.  134  B.  wounded-ll 
prisoners — Total  328. 

The  British  official  account  of  the  above  action,  stall 
their  total  loss  at  514. 


if' 


FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS. 

C<^  efa  Utter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Brown,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,M 

H.  Q.  Queenston,  July  22df,  1814. 
DEAR  SIR— On  the  20th,  the  army  moved,  and  eiL 
camped  in  the  rear  of  fort  George.    Gen.  Scott,  with  th] 


¥ 


T^. 


Mf 


ve  action,  stad 


217 

*an,  had  some  skirmishing.  bofnrA  tu^  ^  ■    i    i 

up;  but,  as  the  enemy S  dseTo  't:  *""'"  ^^^Y  ?«»« 

important  occurred.   ^No  Ce  1.  ,1ft '   ''°'^''  "°*^^'"S 

,  heiVhts  were  abandoned  to  the  enemv    'nd'"'  TIT'^^ 

\  that  the  movement  would  have  tnducld  h^  T.^'^  '^"'^ 

,  them,  or  close  in  nearer  to  us  so  a.  ^K.'  »«-occupy 

ment  out  of  his  workr.  In  fhf  ""?.°"  ^"  ^"g^^^- 

Respectfully,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 


FURTHER  PROCEEDfNGS. 

C<^I,  of  a  letter  from  ^'ii<^^^e^»e^lBrorvn,  to  the  Secretary  of 

If.  Q.  Chippewa,  July  25,  1814 
DEAR  SIR-On  the  23d  inst.  I  received  a  lettJh 
fcpress    from  General  Gaines,  advisinTm;,  that  on  th{ 
l»th,  the  heavy  guns  that  I  had  orderecf  from  the  Harbor 
lb  enable  me  to  operate  against  forts  George  and  IvL' 
kwereblockadecl  in  that  port,  toeetKi^h  fh     ^^ " 

W  these  guns,  and  troops,  in  boats,  provided  thTcZ 
fre  should  not  deem  it  ^oper  or  ^rCuo  conve vThZ 
Id  his  fleet,  not  doubting  b'ut  that^e  woukl  hav^  1   "^ 

atv  t  '^;  .^'^- P-*-^-    anTtt  the'ent; 
■foiid  have  been  driven  mto  port,  or  caoturpr?      Ac  r^ 

Llnf  •l'^™'' ■."■"*  .'^  '"'  *''  not  know  when, he 
pet  would  sail,  or  when  the  guns  and  forces  which  I  h.5 

h  «P-t.ng,  would  even  lelve  Sacke^^HaZr,  I  havf 

Kb  Lr'1!j^"''''T  "y  P"""""'  '^i'h  «  view  to 
f»er  objects.    I^^now  Kow  greatly  1  am  disappoiated; 


y 


^ISi^ 


^■Ha 

If" 

^^^K  i^n'^  H 

i-  ? 

^^^IkIVhj.,^^ 

'-.?[ 

^^^^^^^Hi^^^f  ^SS 

w 

y' 

218 

and  therefore  I  will  not  dwell  upon  that  painful  subject ; 
and  you  can  best  perceive  how  much  has  been  lost  by 
the  delay — and  the  command  of  lake  Ontario  being  with 
the  enemy — reliances  beinff  placed  upon  a  different  state 
of  things.  The  Indians  all  left  iwe  some  time  since ;  it  is 
said  that  they  will  return  ;  but  this,  you  will  perceive,  de- 
pends upon  circumstances.  The  remforcements  ordered 
orr,  from  the  west,  have  not  arrived. 

Yours,  respectfully,  and  truly, 

JACOB  BROWN. 
Hon.  Sec.  of  War. 


BATTLE  OF  BRIDGEWATER. 

Copy  of  a  Idler  from  Capt.  L.  Justin^  Aid  to  Gen.  Bronn,  to  the  Se- 
cretary of  }Var,  dated 

»  H.  Q.  Buffaloe,  29</i  July,  1814. 

I  have  the  honor  of  addressing  you  by  desire  of  Gen. 
Brown,  who  is  now  confined  by  wounds,  received  in  a  se- 
vere and  desperate  engagement  with  the  enemy,  on  thel 
afternoon  ana  night  of  the  25th  instant. 

Our  army  had  fallen  back  to  Chippewa.  The  enemy, 
collecting  every  regiment  from  Burhngton  and  York,  and 
meeting  with  no  opposition  on  lake  Ontario,  transported] 
by  water,  to  fort  George,  troops  from  Kmgston,  and  eveii 
Prescott,  which  enabled  them  to  bring  a  force  against  us] 
vastly  superior,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Gen.  Drumf 
mond  and  Maj.  Gen.  Riall.  They  were  met  by  us  neai 
the  falls  of  Niagara,  where  a  most  severe  conflict  ensued] 
the  enemy  disputed  the  ground  with  resolution,  yet  wert 
driven  from  every  position  they  attempted  to  hold.  Wd 
stormed  his  batteries,  directly  in  front,  and  took  posses! 
sion  of  all  his  artillery  ;  notwithstanding  his  immense  su 

{)eriority,  both  in  numbers  and  position,  he  was  complete 
y  defeated,  and  our  troops  remained  on  the  battle  ground 
without  any  interruption.  As,  however,  both  General 
Brown  ana  Scott  had  received  severe  wounds — almoa 
every  chief  of  battalion  disabled — and,  our  men  quite  ej 


li  n 


'* 


e  since ;  it  is 


219    > 

hausted,  it  was  thought  prudent  to  rPhV«  «« 

inent;  which  was  dono  m  rT.  i      i     '^^  f°  °"*'  encamp- 

b«ndredp,i™,e,,aretk:rp"tt'  "'"""'  "'""  '"" 

Brown   and  Scott  are  on  th:      -a^'      r^  Generals 
pounds,  Ge„X,e7corJ^  /^^,,:<'l-'^    bj^'heij 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Hon,  Sec.  War.  ^'  ^^™^'  ^'  ^-  ^«^i'- 

COL.  PEARSON'S  EXPEDITION 

I  Jthe  f  ^•"l/:?°^»»"»'^«tion  of  Col.  Pearson,  command- 
15  ^''tr     ,  •  ""^'/'^'  '"  *^^  southern  indian  country    i<. 

PCRTHER-BATTLE  OP  BRIDGEWATER 

feLfn°t"ill'h^,r  '  ""''  ^"^.^"^  '«™'  ™<=«  *e  last 
pgement  with  the  enemy,  I  feat  that  the  account  I  am 


1  ■.l!-l 


\  ■] 


w 


220 


liiw 


about  to  give,  may  be  less  full  and  satisfactory,  than,  un« 
der  other  circumstances,  it  might  have  been  made.  I  par. 
ticularly  fear  that  the  conduct  of  the  gallant  men,  it  was 
my  good  fortune  to  lead,  will  not  be  noticed  in  a  way  due 
to  their  fame,  and  the  honor  of  our  country. 

You  are  already  apprised  that  the  army  had,  on  the 
25th  ult.  taken  a  position  at  Chippewa  ;  about  noon  of 
that  day.  Col.  Swift,  who  was  posted  at  Lewistown,  ad- 
vised me,  by  express,  that  the  enemy  appeared  in  consi- 
derable force,  in  Queenston,  and  on  its  heights ;  that  four 
of  the  enemy's  fleet  had  arrived,  during  the  preceding 
night,  and  were  then  lying  near  fort  Niagara  ;  and  that  a 
number  of  boats  were  in  view,  moving  up  the  streight— . 
Within  a  few  minutes  after  this  intelligence  had  been  re- 
ceived, I  was  further  informed,  by  Capt.  Denmon,  of  the  j 
Quarter-master's  department,  that  the  enemy  was  landing  j 
at  Lewistown ;    and  that  our  baggage   and   stores  at 
Schlosser,  and  on  their  way  thither,  were  in  danger  of  im- 
naediate  capture.     It  is  proper  here  to  mention,  that  hav-j 
ing  received  advices  as  late  as  the  20th,  from  Gen.  Gaines, 
that  our  fleet  was  then  in  port,  and  the  Commodore  sick,! 
"we  ceased  to  look  for  co-operation  from  that  quarter,  and! 
determined  to  disencumber  ourselves  of  baggage,  andl 
march  directly  for  Burlington  heights  :  to  mask  this  in-j 
tention,  and  to  draw  from  l^chlosser  a  small  supply  of  pro-j 
visions,  I  fell  back  upon  Chippewa.     As  this  arrangement,! 
under  the  increased  force  of  the  enemy,   left  much  at  ha-| 
zard,  on  our  own  side  of  the  Niagara,  and  as  it  appeared,! 
by  the  before  stated  information,  that  the  enemy  waaj 
about  to  avail  himself  of  it,  I  conceived  that  the  most  effec- j 
tual  method  of  recalling  him  from  this  object,  was  to  putl 
myself  in  motion  towards  Queenston.     Gen.  Scott,  with! 
the  1st  brigade,  Towson's  artillery,  and  all  the  dragoonsl 
and  mounted  men,  were  accordingly  put  in  march,  on  the! 
road  leading  thither,  with  orders  to  report  if  the  enemy 
appeared — then  to  call  for  assistance,  if  that  was  necesH 
saiT. 

On  the  GeneraPs  arrival  at  the  falls,  he  learned  that 
the  enemy  was  in  force,  directly  in  his  front,  narrow 
pieces  of  woods  alone  intercepting  his  view  of  them  > 


t  was  necesH 


281 

become  close  and  ceneral  TZl      .1  ^'"PP^^a,  ,t  had 
Though  Gen.  Kipd    wfth  thr'     ^' l^ 

the  head  of  his  commL^    k    i     ^'    ".   ^^^'  Sorter,  at 

ward  with  ISor,  h  w"^^^^  tt  ^^^''T^y  ^''''^^  ^^r^ 
were  brought  to  susS  g1«  ^'jfY^^'^"''  '^^^^''e  they 

command  CtskS^^^^^^^ 

conflict.     Upon  my  Ski  I  r  ^  i  fu '^'  ™^'«ta'"ed  the 

passed  the  wood^S  eZ^;^^^^^^^^^     '^^'  '^^  ^^^^^^^  had 

ton  road,  and  on  thrgroSo  th.lT^r?  *H^"*^^»«- 

lith,  and  22dregrmf„rwt^^ 

25th  had  been  tErown  1  the  JlTT  1  ^^^'"erj-the 

circumstances.      Apprehend  n^   ttl'    ^  ^  ^^""''""^  *^^ 

-.uch  exhausted,  an^S^^h  fL^^^^^^^^^^  ^f   T " 

verely,  1  determined  to  interp^e  a  new  ^i«e  w    f^^^^^  T 

vancmg  troops,  and  thus  dislngaee  gL  SrnT/        f.  ^?; 

his  brigade  in  reserve  •  nr^Jt.  ^  ,*^°"'  ^'"'  hold 

Oen.  nTplev  TheT„;m;f  ^^1  T.r  "^'^  S'^"'  "> 
cupicd  a  hill,  wliich  eavTlL  .'^  »' «'"»  moment,  oc- 
the^eyof  hewholo^nl!i,i™5^^'  =''™teges,  and  wa. 
of  incLry     To  "ecu™    he  tii  "■"^f  PP'"^«'>  by  'line 

ea..,  «h/ar.illeV,  and  setVh?S  ;!!!.KT^  «" 
assigned  to  Col.  Miller,  while,  to  tToftT^^^^^  T 
St  regiment,  under  the  command  of  C„|  nS°  ' 
directed  to  menace  and  amuse  the  i,°fa„t^   T„        '  "" 
mortification,  this  regiment,  after  a  di  chaTgel  ,7o  T' 
way,  and  retreated  some  distance  befor^  ,?^.    u  ?  ^'''.* 
a  though,  it  is  believed,    he  offieerrof  ,h"      ''•'  ■^'■ 
eierted  themselves  to  shorten  hi^  dS-       r    ™S""™t 
lime.  Col.  Miller,  without  regird  tZ":^.     *"  "^^ 
,  vanced  steadily,  and  ffallanVlv   .„  I?-  ""'l  "•«"™nce,  ad- 
Ihe  height,  an^  he  cannon    Y'.     P?  ■"''•'f ''  '"•>  ""™'' 
23d  (wlich  had  also  fauhered  ^o  IF  ^^  '"■°"''"  "P  *" 
l.»emV  disappeared  from  E^emTK'  '"''  ""' 
taaohments  of  the  nth  and  19th,  Gen.  Porter  i^^^^n* 


I     l;J 


I   !» 


i\ 


223 


with  his  command,  the  extreme  left— about  tlie  time  Col. 
Miller  carried  the  enemy's  cannon. 

The  25th  regiment,  under  Major  Jessup,  was  engaged 
in  a  more  obstinate  contest,  with  all  that  remained  to  dis- 
pute with  us  the  field  of  battle.  The  Major,  as  has  been 
already  stated,  had  been  ordered  by  General  Scott,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  ground  to  the 
right ;  he  had  succeeded  in  turning  the  enemy's  left  flank 
— had  captured  (by  a  detachment  under  Capt.  Ketchum,) 
Gen.  Riall,  and  sundry  other  officers — andf  showed  him- 
self again,  to  his  own  army,  in  a  blaze  of  fire,  which  de- 
feated or  destroyed  a  very  superior  force  of  the  enemy. 
He  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  2d  regiment. 
The  enemy,  rallying  his  forces,  and,  as  is  believed,  havino' 
received  reinforcements,  now  attempted  to  drive  us  from 
our  position,  and  regain  his  artillery  ;  our  line  was  unsha- 
ken, and  the  enemy  repulsed  ;  two  other  attempts,  hav- 
ing the  same  object,  had  the  same  issue — Gen.  Scott  was 
again  engaged,  m  repelling  the  former  of  these  ;  and  the 
last  I  saw  of  him,  on  the  field  of  battle,  he  was  near  the 
head  of  his  column,  and  j^iving,  to  its  march,  a  direction 
that  would  have  placed  him  on  the  enemy's  ri^lit.  It  was 
with  great  pleasure  I  saw  the  good  order  and  intrepidity 
of  Gen.  Porter's  volunteers,  from  the  moment  of  their  ar- 
rival ;  but,  during  the  last  charge  of  the  enemy,  those 
qualities  were  conspicuous — stimulated  by  the  example 
set  them  hy  their  gallant  leader,  h^  Major  Wood,  of  the 
Pennsylvania  corps,  by  Col.  Dobbin,  ol  New- York,  and 
by  their  officers  generally,  thev  precipitated  themselves 
upon  the  enemy's  line,  and  made  all  the  prisoners  which 
were  taken  at  this  point  of  the  action. 

Having  been  for  some  time  wounded,  and  being  a  good 
deal"  exhausted  by  loss  of  blood,  it  became  my  wish  to  de- 
volve the  command  on  Gen.  Scott,  and  retire  from  the 
field ;  but,  on  enquiry,  I  had  the  misfortune  to  learn  that 
he  was  disabled  by  wounds ;  I  therefore  kept  my  post, 
and  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  enemy's  last  effort 
repulsed — I  now  consigned  the  command  to  General 
Ripley. 
While  retiring  from  the  field,  I  saw  and  felt  that  the 


223 

victory  was  complete  on  our  r.o.^  .t 

pro«,pV  adopted  to Tee^reT'te','"";?"'"  *«™ 

men  was,  however  surh  ».  1,  i  e«haU8lion  of  the 

extremelj.  sensible  oCtfie  wa"  oflhT.l  """'  '"^»«"; 

therefore  beheved  it  p^er  that  .rn-T-^  "'''=''''  ' 
troops  shonld  .eturn  to  camn  »ft..  k  °    •'^'P'7'  """^  ">« 
.1.0  wounded  and  t  "e  ar«S   td  ln"?."'^°""'"  '*'»''• 
ficultj,  as  the  enemy  had  enLl       '      i""''  '  '"»'  »">  •!"- 
an  ho'ur  after  .«ramvajl  caZ  Vr' V°  ^  .  '^"'"" 
Ripley  had  retu'r„ed::VlTa^'„'"::;f°^^^^^^^^ 
der.     I  now  sent  for  him-  and  »f£!  ^'-       l"  S""''  or- 
sons  for  the  measure  ltLl^Ltt\T''.^  '"™  ""y  ™«- 
to  put  the  troops  in  the  Cr-oihl       ^V  ?"'''''"•'  '"'» 
.0  them  the  necessary  refr^sLen,"  ?'i.  "™u'  J°  S'™ 
Picquets  and  camp  cuaJds  and  „    '  '" ''""j""*  '''"'  *« 

dawned,  and  there  m  m.l,  '"","*"'  "'  hatlle  as  the  day 

P«ared-,„  ,l^s  0^1;^:*' ^"^  ^'-V•^f"^»'^  •<'  ho  ap^ 
upon  its  execution  !li.,„       ?  "■'J^Xon,  and  I  relied 

sensibly,  how  "nldeoUe  arl  T  '"'"'""'■•  '  ''»«''•  "»<«' 
.he  troops,  t„3o  jSe  ehhe7Jr"  '» . 'P^^^ng  of 
own  sense  of  them-under  ahl/,!  ^"'"  T""'  ^  '"  '"i' 
done  more,  and  better  ' ''"'"""'  ""'>'  ""'s""  h^ve 

the^'Sn^tEail'a^.^rol' S  ''7%'"'''  ^'''^"^  "^ 
.fCol  M3ler,and^M^W  Jelp.'""'''  ^""'  ""''  ^"^"^ 

Wo'JJhlt'lliaj^tftifadell^^^^^^ 

er  of  battalion,  were  Sded      Th„  oj  ?'?'■>' ^"'""'"i 

racter-they  could  not    w     u      u'f  ""^"^  ^  "^^  ^^a- 

&tr>£«r^--V"?^""-^^^^^^^ 

militia  vo  ulersrfpin'nrvT"'- "''  '  S™'  ''''■■'«'•'  "'o 
»ndismayed,'Ssf  th,™  f  [.r  I?'  K't  ^'^ 
veterans  opposed  ,„  them.     rtt^atnTottet 


224 


r 


commanded  hy  Col.  "Wilson,  arc  reported  by  Gen.  Porter 
as  having  meiited  and  received  his  approbation.  The' 
corps  of  artillery,  commanded  by  Major  Hindman,  be- 
haved with  its  usual  gallantry.  Capt.  Towson's  compa- 
ny, attached  to  the  Ist  brigade,  was  the  first  and  the  Ust 
engaged ;  and,  during  the  whole  conflict,  maintained  that 
hij^h  character,  which  they  had  previously  won  by  their 
skill  and  their  valor.  Captains  Biddle  and  Ritchie  were 
both  wounded  early  in  the  action,  but  refused  to  quit  the 
field ;  the  latter  declared  that  he  never  would  leave  his 
piece — and,  true  to  his  engagement,  fell  by  its  side,  co- 
vered  with  wounds. 

The  staff  of  the  army  had  its  peculiar  merit  and  dis- 
tinction— Col.  Gardner,  Adj.  Gen.  though  ill,  was  on 
horseback,  and  did  all  in  his  power ;  his  assistant.  Major 
Jones,  was  very  active  and  useful ;  my  gallant  aids-de- 
camp, Austin  and  Spencer,  had  many,  and  critical,  duties 
to  perform— -in  the  discharge  of  which,  the  latter  fell  .-—I 
shall  ever  think  of  this  young  man,  with  pride  and  regret 
— regret,  that  his  career  has  been  so  short ;  pride,  that  it 
has  been  honorable  and  distinguished.  The  engineers, 
Majors  M'Rea  and  Wood,  were  greatly  distinguished  on 
this  day,  and  their  high  military  talents,  exerted  with 
great  effect;  they  were  much  under  my  eye,  and  near  my 
person — and,  to  their  assistance,  a  great  deal  is  fairly  to 
oe  ascribed  ;  I  most  earnestly  recommend  them,  as  wor- 
thy of  the  highest  trust  and  confidence. 
•  The  staff  of  Generals  Ripley  and  Porter  discovered 
great  zeal,  and  attention  to  duty.  Lieut.  E.  B.  Randolph, 
of  the  20th,  is  entitled  to  notice — his  courage  was  con^pi- 
cuous. 

I  enclose  a  return  of  our  loss ;  those  noted  as  missing 
may  generally  be  numbered  with  the  dead.     The  enemy 
had  but  little  opportunity  of  making  prisoners. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War.         JACOB  BROWN. 

Return  of  killed^  wounded  and  missing,  in  the  above 

action.— Kilhdi  171— Wounded,  570— Missing,  117 

Total,  858.  C.  K.  GARDNER,  Adj.  Gen. 


226 
.    Return  ofpriswurs,  taken  from  the  enemu  in  th,  ^h 

7%*  i^rt7,-,A  official  a^cmnl  of  th.nt'"'"^'  '"'P'  ^""• 

[Missing,  193l.Pri«o'n:,MiZroH  ^^  ^^^- 

(Signed;  £D.  BAYNES. 

!  AFFAIR  OF  BLADENSBURGH 

iMcmble,  there  were  but  about  1700  in  tli«  SE? 

Ht  250  at  Bladensburgh,  under  Lieut.  CoI/^LS^ 

N,  with  tbe  ineffectiveness  of  the  laws  to  comulTthZ 
h-   out.  rendered   it  impossible  to  hare^ttd 

The  inilitia  of  this  statp    nnrl  ^r  ♦»,-  ^    ^- 
J^giniaand  Penns^Cil  cl^r^^^^^^^ 
fc    tt    rr'  ""^'i'V^^  of  Pennsylvania  had  expired' 
L  t  f  rV°'  •^^'^'  ^"^^  ^^o  one  adopted  in  itsfi 

c  nfaid'^rht:rn""T**^^  ™'^*'^'  '^^^-oc! 

p,  no  aid,  therefore,  has  been  received  from  that 
^  After  all  the  force  that  could  be  put  at  mv  disDo.al  in 

'  fabulated'  r'  "^''"^  r ^  dis^ositiLTLtCed 
£  ve^^^^^^^^    to  present  the  most  respectable  force,  at 

Kst  aS  inVr"*^  ^'^^'  '''^'^  '  ^^«  enabled,  by 
KLs?  h.r  *r^'""^  movements  of  the  troops, 
interpose  before  the  enemy,  at  Bladensburffh,  about 

KcommrJ"'^'"^  350  regulars,  and  Commodo're  Bar- 
ErcdZTtr'"r\^^" V^"^^  P^^tion  of  this  force 
rnrcd  on  the  ground  when  the  enemy  were  in  sight,  and 

F  f 


''***^. 


0y  ■ 


226 

were  disposed  of  to  support,  in  the  best  manner,  the  posi- 
tion which  Gen.  Stansbury  had  taken.     They  had  barely 
reached  the  ground  when  the  action  commenced,  which 
was  about  1  o  clock,  P.  M.  of  the  24th  instant — and  con- 
tinued about  an  hour.     The  contest  was  not  as  obstinately 
maintained  as  could  hate  been  desired  ;  but  was,  by  parts 
of  the  troops,  sustained  with  great  spirit,  and  with  pro- 
digious efiect ;    and,  had  the  whole  of  our  force  been 
equally  firm,  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  the  enemy 
would  have  been  repulsed,  notwithstanding  all  the  disad- 
vantages under  which  we  fought. — The  artillery,  from 
Baltimore,  supported  by  Major  rinckney's  rifle  battalion, 
and  a  part  of  Capt.  Doughty's,  from  the  navy-yard,  were 
in  advance,  to  command  the  pass  of  the  bridge,  at  Bla- 
densburgh,  and  played  upon  the  enemy,  as  I  have  since  I 
learned,  with  very  destructive  effect.    But  the  rifle  troops 
were  obliged,  after  some  time,  to  retire  ;  and,  of  course, 
the  artillery.     Superior  numbers,  however,  rushed  upon  I 
them,  and  made  their  retreat  necessary ;  not,  however,! 
without  great  loss  from  the  enemy.     Major  Pinckney  re-l 
ceived  a  severe  wound  in  his  right  arm,  after  he  had  re-| 
tired  to  the  left  flank  of  Stansbury's  brigade.     The  rightl 
and  centre  of  Stansbury's  brigade,  consisting  of  Lieut.j 
Col.  Ragan's  and  Shuler's  regiments,  generally  gave  wajl 
very  soon  afterwards,  with  the  exception  of  about  40,  ral-| 
lied  by  Col.  Ragan,  after  having  lost  his  horse,  and  the 
whole,  or  a  part  of  Capt.  Shower's  company — bothol 
whom  Gen.  Stansbury  represents  to  have  made,  even  thus! 
deserted,  a  gallant  stand.     The  fall  which  Lieut.  Coll 
Ragan  received,  from  his  horse,  together  with  his  grealj 
efforts  to  sustain  his  position,  rendered  him  unable  to  foH 
low  the  retreat :  we  have,  therefore,  to  lament,  that  thi^ 

fallant  and  excellent  officer  has  been  taken  prisoner;  he 
as,  however,  been  paroled ;  and  I  met  him  here,  recoj 
vering  from  the  bruises  occasioned  by  his  fall.  I 

The  5th  Baltimore  regiment,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Sterrettj 
being  the  left  of  Gen.  Stansbury's  brigade,  still,  however! 
stoo^  their  ground ;  and,  except  for  a  moment,  when  pari 
of  them  recoiled  a  few  stepSf  remained  firm,  and  stood  unj 


.^'' 


227 

Kiss""'  -»■■■"»  p~..«  u,„  fc„ 

lime,  with  great  effect  contest  for  some 

wounUed.      Tliey  took,  allogether,  about  120  prfl 

You  will  readily  understand,  thai  it  is  impossible  for 
me  o  speak,  minulely,  of  the  merit  or  demerit  of  ir 
.cular  troops,  so  little  known  to  me,  froiMhe  r  re^nt 

I  am,  &c. 

i  „      _    ^  W.  H.  WINDER,  B.  Gen.  lOth  M  n 

Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War.  ^  ^ 


tif 


fl 


228 


\mmi 


BATTLE  AT  FORT  ERIE. 

Cflpiw  ofUtters  from  Brig.  Gen.  Gaines,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dtUed 

H.  Q.  Fort  Erie,  U.  C.  Aug.  2H  1814. 

SIR — Loss  of  sleep,  and  constant  exposure  to  the 
weather,  iu  its  various  changes,  gave  me,  some  days 
ago,  a  violent  cold,  which  lias  put  it  out  of  my  power 
to  do  any  thing  more  than  the  state  of  the  service  here 
rendered  absolutely  indispensable;  hence  my  apology 
for  delaying,  until  this  day,  my  report  of  the  battle  of 
the  i  5th  inst. 

General  Drumraond  is  quietly  engaged,  in  collect- 
ing his  reinforcements ;  his  camp  appears  to  be  forti- 
fied :  I  attempted  to  look  at  it,  a  few  days  past,  and  it 
cost  me  a  fine  young  officer,  Lieut.  Yates,  of  the  4th 
rifle  regiment,  killed,  and  Lieut  Kearsley,  of  that  ex- 
cellent corps,  with  Lieut.  Childs,  of  the  9th,  wounded; ' 
with  the  loss  of  some  2  or  3  privates  killed,  and  5  or 
6  woundnd.    The  loss  of  the  enemy,  1  was  unable  to 
ascertain  ;  he  would  not  leave  his  defences,  and  I  did ! 
not  think  fit  to  leave  mine  at  all  exposed.     Several  de- 1 
serters  say,  that  the  6th  and  82d  regiments  arrived  last  | 
night — if  this  be  true,  their  strength  is  about  the  same  I 
as  it  was  before  the|battle  of  the  15th;  their  Col.  Scott, 
is  dead.     About  20  deserters  from  the  De  Watleville 
regiment,  and  some  few  from  other  corps,  concur  in  I 
the  report,  tliat  their  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  mis8-| 
ing,  on  the  15th,  was  upwards  of  a  thousand. 
Your  obedient  servant, 

E.  P.  GAIJSES,  B.  Gen.  C<m§.\ 
Gen.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War. 


DETAILED  REPORT. 

-J" 

H.  Q.  Left  wing  2d  Division,  Fort  Erie,  U.  C.  Aug.  1814.| 
SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  communicate,  for  the  in- 
formation of  the  department  of  war,  the  particulars  of] 
the  battle  fought  at  this  place,  on  the  15th  inst.  between 


299 

ut.ef™T?Sl:^„5  "^^^  «■«  -them  .rn,y, 
insula  ofVc.  comlnded  L  lS  rT'A"  "■"  ^^'^ 
which  terminated  in  "  stnal  vt  IV?  •  ?'■"""""'"'• 
United  American  arms     ff  J.  •  •  ^' '"  '^™'' "' *•>« 

I  Erie,  with  a  24  18  and  19  r"'"'  """"^hed  foH, 
IU.e  Douglass  tottel-yi.hP.fl'''™,"]?  ^-  *=-»'«' 
I  edge  ftf  ("he  lake  th/'s  F-l    i     V""""  ^  P""-  "«»■•  the 

felfended  t  Vrtdo'ubf  Ctfrvf  „Th  7fi'e'li. 'o'f  '^"^ 

Ihe  artillery To,r„anded  brMf?""u?'.^  »<■ 

ofthe  nth^lh  anr2ld  inL*  v'Tof  the*!"?" •  ^"^ 
brigade  of  Mai  Gen  4  J.  i  „  ^'  ^       T  '"'«  veteran 

uier  the  oo1S„ra„d  of  "iirrJT".""  'S^  "Sht. 
Kipley's  brigade,  consTsti^rof  the  2. t'^aT^ fr- 
iended the  left  ;  Gen.  Portfr's  brigade  of  Net  V ''t 
and  Pennsylvania  volunteers  w7h  m,r  ^  .•  ^^?'''' 
riflemen,  occupied  the  centr?'  o"*- d»«'ngu.shed 

in'  \Z'iith'^!T,iuT"^  ''"""«  •»  yo"'  that,  dur- 
caJnonade,  which  t^?;  hLX'^i.  '""'.''r  "P  """sk 

■y  cessatloTTthe*^hunde«T.'r.HMr' "  """"»'»- 


# 


i 


230 

the  British  army,  which  was  instantly  returned  on  our 
part ;  and  Capt.  Williams,  amidst  the  smoke  of  the  ex- 
plosion, renewed  the  contest  by  an  animated  roar  of 
his  heavy  cannon. 

From  the  supposed  loss  of  our  ammunition,  and  the 
consequent  depression  such  an  event  was  likely  to  pro- 
duce upon  the  minds  of  our  men,  I  felt  persuaded  that 
this  explosion  would  lead  the  enemy  to  assault,  and 
made  my  arrangements  accordingly — the  annexed  pam- 
per, No.  1.  is  a  copy  of  Lieut.  Gen.  Drummond's  plan 
of  attack. 

The  night  was  dark,  and,  the  early  part  of  it,  raining; 
but  the  faithful  centinel  slept  not :— one  third  of  the 
troops  were  up  at  their  posts.     At  half  past  2  o'clock, 
the  right  column  of   the  enemy  approached;    and, I 
though  enveloped  in  darkness,  black  as  his  designs  and  j 
principles,  was  distinctly  heard  on  our  left,  and  prompt- 
ly marked  by  our  musquetry,  under  Major  Wood,  aridj 
artillery,  under  Capt  Towson.    Being  mounted  at  the 
moment,  I  repaired  fo  the  point  of  attack,  where  the 
sheet  of  fire,  rolling  from  Tovvson's  battery  and  the 
musquetry,  of  the  left  wing  of  the  21st  infantry,  under 
Major  Wood,  enabled  me  to  see  the  enemy's  column, 
of  about  1500  men,  approaching  on  that  point ;  his  ad- 
vance was  not  checked,  until  it  approached  within  10 1 
feet  of  our  infantry ;  a  line  of  loose  brush,  represent- 1 
ing  an  abattis,  only  intervened  ;  a  column  of  the  ene- 
my attempted  to  pass  round  the  abattis,  through  the  I 
water,  where  it  was  nearly  breast  deep :  apprehending 
that  this  point  would  be  carried,  I  ordered  a  detach- 1 
ment  of  riflemen  and  infantry  to  its  support ;  but  hav- 
ing met  with  the  gallant  commander.  Major  Wood,  was 
assured  by  him  that  he  could  defend  his  position  with-[ 
out  reinforcements. 

At  this  moment  the  enemy  were  repulsed ;  but  in-j 
stantly  renewed  the  charge,  and  were  again  repulsed.! 
My  attention  was  now  called  to  the  right,  where  ourj 
batteries  and  lines  were  soon  lighted  by  a  most  bril-l 
liant  fire,  of  cannon  and  musquetry ;  it  announced  the  I 
ftpproacb  of  the  centre  and  left  columns  of  the  enemy,! 


231 

Cap..  FosJr.  tj  cTp?af:  'firgMofanT  Htd"'  "' 
companies  of  Mew- V  ork  an.lPor^      I       .      Wardmg's 

chief  engineer,  who  was  most  aetire?n(..Tfn.  ,..?•' 
»omt-they  were  repulsed.  That  o^lte  cemre  ed 
by  (  ol.  Druinmond,  was  not  long  kept  in  Xrk  h 
approaclied,  at  once,  every  assailable  point  of  TfA^ 
and,  with  scaling  ladders,  ascended  Ite  parane'  1^,1 
ws  repulsed  with  dreadful  carnage.  The  aS  tT. 
tivice  repeated,  and  as  often  checked,  h...  ?i  " 

liaving  moved  round  in  the  dUch  c overeH  K     .  T"'^' 
added  ,o  the  heavy  clouS  of 'si'XThich  iia'dtS 

former,  and  several  of  their  men,  rlTehld  deadiv 
wounds-our  bastion  was  Jost.  L  eut  M^onou  Jlf 
being  severely  wounded,  demanded  n  .arw  "*  ^  ' 
refused  by  Col  Drummond~tr  LLutenant  hen  .7' 
ed  a  handspike,  and  nobly  defended  tSf^^iT^^ 

r?fni:?V-^^"  '''l^  '  P'^^°^'  ^^  *»'^  moS  'who  had 

efused  him  quar  er  ;  who  often  reiterated  the  order 

••pve  the  damned  yankees  no  quarler  "    TM  .ffl      ' 

whose  hravprv    if  u   I     J    ""4"*»'>cr.       1  uis  oihcer, 

™.ent  while repeatiW the orderf to  " g  ve  rmq^er  " 

fliJi,?    li.  •  '".*  :?"^"'y  ™s  repulsed  and  nut  In 

light;  thence,  and  from  the  centre,  I  ordered  r.;!, 
forcements-they  were  promptly  sent    b v  Rri5  r 


* 


i 


232 

the  fort.  Major  Hindman^8  gallant  efforts,  aided  by 
Major  Trimble,  having  failed  to  drive  the  enemy  from 
the  bastion,  with  the  remaining  artillery  and  infantry, 
in  the  forts,  Capt.  Biid$all,  of  the  41h  rifle  regiment, 
with  a  detachment  of  riflemen,  gallantly  rushed  in, 
through  the  gateway,  to  their  assistance ;  and,  with 
some  infantry,  charged  the  enemy— but  was  repulsed, 
and  the  Captain  severely  wr»unded.  A  detachment 
from  the  11th,  19th,  and  22d  infantry,  under  Capt.  Fos- 
ter, of  the  11th,  were  introduced  over  the  interior  bas- 
tion, for  the  purpose  of  charging  the  enemy ;  Major 
liall,  assistant  Inspector-General,  very  handsomely  ten- 
dered his  services  to  lead  the  charge ;  the  charge  was 
gallantly  made  by  Capt.  Foster,  and  Major  Hall ;  but  - 
owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  passage  up  to  the  bas- 
tion, admitting  only  2  or  3  men  abreast,  it  failed  : — it 
was  often  repeated,  and  as  often  checked.  The  ene- 
my's force  in  the  bastion  was,  however,  much  cut  to 
pieces,  and  diminished,  by  our  artillery  and  small  arms. 
At  this  moment,  every  operation  was  arrested  by  the 
explosion  of  some  cartridges,  deposited  in  the  end  of 
the  stone  building,  adjoining  the  contested  bastion— 
the  explosion  was  tremendous— -it  was  decisive — the 
bastion  was  restored.  At  this  moment  Capt.  Biddle 
was  ordered  to  cause  a  field  piece  to  be  posted,  so  as  to 
enfilade  the  exterior  plain  and  salient  glacis.  The 
Captain,  though  not  recovered  from  a  severe  contusion 
in  the  shoulder,  received  from  one  of  the  enemy's  shells, 
promptly  took  his  position,  and  served  his  field  piece 
with  vivacity  and  effect.  Capt.  Fanning's  battery, 
likewise,  played  upon  them,  at  this  time,  with  great 
effect— the  enemy  were,  in  a  few  moments,  entirely 
defeated,  taken,  or  put  to  flight,  leaving  on  the  field 
221  killed,  174  wounded,  and  186  prisoners— (581,)  in- 
cluding 14  officers  killed,  and  7  woundeU  and  prison* 
ers ;  a  large  portion  are  so  severely  wounded  that  they 
cannot  survive  ;  the  slightly  wounded,  it  is  presumed, 
were  carried  off. 

To  Brig.  Gen.  Ripley,  much  credit  is  due,  for  the 
judicious  disposition  of  the  left  wing,  previous  to  the 


r  fi 


-«k>,.^ 


233 

fantry    handsomelj!  contributed  to  he  ItluW.  ?,f  /i"" 
Tw'hT  ?f  ""O^n^n'y.  "nder  Coll  Sc.m'^'"'''  "'  ""> 

Lieut  S,l'"'rn-'"'*f!?™"""''  '""  '•"""y  "-nducl  of 

ueui.  «^olAspinwall,  commanding  the  fiisi  hriVJL 

merit  approbation.    To  Major  Al'ifea  chief IniS^    ' 

the  greatest  credit  is  due,  fir  the  excel  en  ""^^J"^"' 

«nd  defending  the  right,  and  for  his  correc?anH  I^i'^  ^ 

S:\t  ur  Tdt'r',:^  rd'?"'i  •:  f 

command  of  a  regiment  of  TnftntTy'tttnrt'f  ^ 
which  he  has  ofteS  proved  himself  wdrqualiieV  tl 
never  so  conspicuously  as  on  this  occasio^  '      ' 

1  owaon  5  battery  emitted  a  constant  sheet  of  fire- 
Wood's  small  arms  lighted  up  the  space,  and  renuk^ 
ve  terrible  charges  made  between  the  ba„er>  Xd  he 
lake.  Bug.  Cien.  Ripley  speaks  in  high  ter.ns"f  h! 
officers  and  men  engaged,  particularly  Capla  ns  Ma  s 
ton  and  Hopes.  Lieutenants  Kiddle,  of  .he  l"lb  (VlT 
ng  duly  wiih  the  21st,)    and  Hall ;  Enlns  Vnn' 

P»ssed.    The  particular  situation  of  Capt.  To«v»on,  and 
I  G  g 


294 

the  much  lamented  Captain  Williams  and  Lieutenant 
M^Donougt),  and  tliat  of  Lieut.  Watmough,  as  already 
described,  with  their  respective  commands,  rendered 
Ihein  most  conspicuous.  The  courage  and  good  con- 
duct of  Lieut.  Zantzinger,  and  Lieut.  Chiles,  is  spoken 
of  in  high  terms,  by  Major  Hind  man  and  Captain  Tow- 
son  ;  as  also  that  of  serjeant-major  Denhon.  Captains 
Biddle  and  Fanning,  on  the  centre  and  right  of  their 
entrenchments,  threw  thfir  shot  to  the  right,  left,  and 
front,  and  annoyed  the  Indians,  and  light  troops  of  the 
enemy,  approaching  from  the  woods.  Lieut.  Fontaine, 
in  his  zeal  to  meet  the  enemy,  was  unfortunately 
wounded,  and  made  prisoner.  Lieut.  Bird  was  active 
and  useful ;  and,  in  fact,  every  individual  of  the  corps 
did  their  duty. 

The  detachment  of  Scott's  gallant  brigade,  consist- 
ing of  parts  of  the  9th,  1 1th,  and  22d  infantry,  did  its 
duty  in  a  manner  worthy  the  high  reputation  the  bri- 
gade had  acquired  at  Chippewa,  and  at  the  falls  of  Nia- 
gara. The  9th,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  E.  Fos- 
ter, was  actively  engaged  against  the  left  of  the  enemy ; 
and,  with  the  aid  of  Lieut.  Douglass'  corps  of  bombar- 
diers, commanding  the  water  battery,  and  of  that  of 
the  volunteers,  under  Captains  Boughton  and  Harding, 
effected  their  repulse.  I'he  good  conduct  of  Lieuts. 
Childs,  Cushman,  and  Foote,  and  Ensign  Blake,  de- 
serves commendation. 

The  officers  killed,  are  Capt.  Williams  and  Lieut. 
M'Donough,  of  the  artillery — wounded,  6  other  subal- 
tern officers,  severely. 

.  Lieut.  Fontaine,  of  the  artillery,  who  was  taken  pri- 
soner, writes  from  the  British  camp,  that  he  fortunate- 
ly iell  into  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  who,  after  taking 
bis  money,  treated  him  kindly — it  would  seem,  then, 
that  these  savages  had  not  joined  in  the  resolution  tc 
give  no  quarters. 

1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

E.  P.  GAINES,  Bng.  Gen.  Comg. 
Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Sec.  War. 


'i^^Jt^- 


W0r 


236i 

Belurn  of  the  killed  wounded,  and  misssing,  CAme- 
ncaiis)  m  the  above  action,  i;i>.-Killed,  l7-wounded. 
|5b— missing,  II— total  84.  ' 

I^Aw'C  i^lt,' .^^"i^P^'^^nded,  and  prisoners,  taken  at 

Hn  o^,f '"'  ^-  P-  ^"^-  ^^'  '8'4.--Killed,  left  on 
the  held.  222 ;  wounded,  left  on  the  field,  1 74 ;  prison- 
|er9  taken,  186— total,  582.  *^ 

flJt*^"  hundred,  supposed  to  be  killed,  on  the  left 
ank.  near  Snake  Hill,  (in  the  wat^r,)  and  permitted 
0  float  down  the  Niagara  ;  the  nutnber  on  the  right 
flank,  near  the  woods,  could  not  be  ascertained. 

\BHg.  Gen.  K.  P.fli^  "^  "^'''^'  ^"'-  '•"^-  «- 

Adjutant-General  Baynes'  official  account  of  the 
labove,  makes  their  loss  between  900  and  1000. 


■>\v 


»*« 


THE  ADAMS  DESTROYED. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  C.  Morris,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

Navy,  dated 

Portland,  Sep ff  8th,  18H. 

SIR— It  is  with  regret  that  I  inform  you  we  were 
compelled  to  destroy  the  Adams,  at  Hampden,  on  the 
morning  of  the  3d  inst.  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  All  the  officers  effected  their 
escape  ;  and  I  believe  the  crew,  with  the  exception  of 
Tery  few,  who  were  unable  to  travel :  their  precise 
number  cannot  yet  be  ascertained,  as  we  were  obliged 
to  pursue  different  routes,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
provisions,  through  the  woods,  between  the  Penobscot 
and  Kennebek. 

I  am  now  engaged  in  collecting,  and  forwarding  the 
men,  with  the  utmost  dispatch,  to  Portsmouth ;  from 
which  place  I  hope  soon  to  forward  a  detailed  account 


*     i ! 


236 

of  our  proceedings.     In  the  mean  time,  I  request  you 
to  believe,  that  ttie  olficers  and  crew  of  the  ship  ne- 
glected no  means,  in  their  power,  for  her  defence. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c, 

C.  MORRIS. 

Hon.  W  JoneSi  Sec.  Navy. 


U    ♦ 


M'DONOUGH's  VICTORY. 

Co^o/a  letter  from  Commodore  M'Donough,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

Navy,  dated 

U.  8.  S.  Saratoga, off  Plattgburg,  Sept.  lllh,  I814. 
SIR — The  Almighty  has  been  pleased  to  grant  usl 
a  signal  victory,  (m  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  capture  ofl 
one  frigate,  one  brig,  and  two  sloops  of  war,  of  thef 
enemy. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

T.  M'DONOUGH,  Comg. 
Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  MOREAU. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Macomb,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  datedl 

Fort  Moreauy  Sept.  12, 1814. 
^  SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  the  Bri-I 
tisb  army,  consisting  of  four  brigades,  a  corps  of  artil-l 
lery,  a  squadron  of  horse,  and  a  strong  light  corps, 
amounting,  in  all,  to  about  fourteen  thousand  men, 
after  investing  this  place,  on  the  north  of  Saranac  river, 
since  the  5th  inst.  broke  up  their  camp,  and  raised  the 
siege  this  morning,  at  2  o'clock  ;  they  are  now  retreat-! 
ing  precipitately,  leaving  their  sick  and  wounded  be- 
hind. The  enemy  opened  hiis  batteries  yesterday  morn- 
ing, and  continued  the  cannonading,  bombarding,  and 
focket-firing,  until  sunset ;  by  this  time  our  batteries 
had  completely  silenced  those  of  our  opponents.         I 
The  light  troops,  and  militia,  are  now  m  full  pursuit 


237 

olthe  enem^,  making  prisoners  in  all  directions  ;  desert- 
ers arc  continually  com.nir  in,  so  that  the  loss  of  the  Brl 
tJsh  army,  ,„  this  enterpnze,  will  be  considerable 
,  A  more  detailed  report  will  be  made  of  the  siege,  and 
circiimstances  attendint^  it,  as  soon  as  possible.       ^ 

1  he  officers,  and  men,  have  all  done  their  duty.     I'he 

artillery    and  the  engineers,  have  performed  their  Amc!: 

tions,  with  a  zeal  and  precision  highfj  creditable  to  them- 

selves,  and    honorable    to   their  "country.      Our  loss   is 

tntl.n;r,  mdeed;  havmg  only  1  officer  and  15  men  killed 

and  1  officer  and  30  men  wounded  ' 

The  militia  oINew-York,  and  volunteers  of  Vermont 

have  been  exceedmgly  serviceable,  and  have  evinced  a  de- 

kree  of  patriotism,  and  bravery,  worthv  of  themselves  and 

the   states    to    which   they   respectively    belong.       The 

ImTile  ^^"'"''"  ''  """'^  ^'^^^  """""^'^^  "«"'  »«"^ 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

Hon.  Sec.  War.  ^^^^*  ^^^™«- 


VICTORY  ON  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

of  War,  daied^  Copy  of  a  letter  from  George  Beale,  Jun.  to  Com.  WDonough,  dated 

m  H      T  K         .u     1  ^'  ^'  ^'  ^^^'^t^^fi^  ^epl'  1 3,  1 8 1 4. 

»iK-~l  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  kill- 
ed  and  wounded,  on  board  of  the  dirferent  vessels,  of  the 
squadron  under  your  command,  in  the  action  of  the  11th 

It  is  impossible  to  ascertain,  correctly,  the  loss  of  the 
enemy ;  from  the  best  information  received  from  the  Bri^ 
S  f!'  ^'T  ""f  ?«'"  observations,  and  from  various 
sts,  found  on  board  the  Confiance,  I  calculate  the  num- 
ber ol  men,  on  board  that  ship  at  the  commencement  of 
the  action,  at  270,  of  whom,  at  least.  180  were  killed  and 
wounded;  and,  on  board  the  other  captured  vessels,  at 

jI^K^Tk^'"' I '"?'/"  *^^t  ^*^«'"'  killed  and  wound- 
ea,  zw.     1  his  IS,  doubtless,  short  of  the  real  number,  as 


J 


£3() 

many  were  llirown  overboard,  from  the  Confiance,  durin(r 
the  engagement. 

The  muster-books  must  have  been  thrown  overboard, 
or  otherwise  disposed  of,  as  they  are  not  to  be  found. 
I  am,  sir,  &.c. 

GEO.  BEALE,  Juw.  Purser. 
Thos.  M'Donough^  Comg. 


FURTHER,  OF  M'DONOUGH'S  VICTORY. 

C^y  of  a  letter  from  Com.  M'Donough,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

Navy,  dated 

U.  S.  S.  Saratoga,  Flaltsburgh  Bay,  Sept.  13, 1814, 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  give  you  the  particulars  of  i 
the  action,  which  took  place  on  the  1 1  th  instant  on  this 
lake. 

For  several  days  the  enemy  were  on  their  way  to 
Plattsburgh,  by  land  and  water  j  and  it  being  well  under- 
stood, that  an  attack  would  be  made,  at  the  same  time, 
by  their  land  and  naval  forces,  I  determined  to  await,  at 
anchor,  the  approach  of  the  latter. 

At  8  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  look-out  boat  announced  th«  i 
approach  of  the  enemy — at  9,  he  anchored  in  a  line,! 
ahead,  at  about  300  yards  distance  from  my  line — his 
ship  opposed  to  the  Saratoga,  b's  brig  to  the  Eagle,  his  I 
galiies,  (13  in  number,)  to  trie  schooner,  sloop,  and  a  di- 
vision of  our  galiies ;  one  of  his  sloops  assisting  their  ship 
and  brig,  the  other  assisting  their  galiies — our  remaining 
galiies,  with  the  Saratoga  and  Eagle. 

In  this  situation,  the  whole  force,  on  both  sides,  became 
engaged;  the  Saratoga  suffering  much,  from  the  heavy 
fire  of  the  Confiance.     I  could  perceive,  at  the  same  time,! 
however,  that  our  fire  was  very  destructive  to  her.    The! 
Ticonderoga,  Lieut.  Comdt.  Cassin,   gallantly  sustained! 
her  full  share  of  the  action. 

At  half  past  10  o'clock,  the  Eagle,  not  being  able  to  I 
bring  her  guns  to  bear,  cut  her  cable,  and  anchored  in  a| 
more  eligible  position,  between  my  ship  and  the  Ticon- 


^f 


•    23» 

icroga,  where  she  very  much  annoyed  the  enemy,  but 
unfortunately  leaving  me  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  from 
the  enemy's  bng.  ?)ur  guns,  on  the  starboar!l  side  be- 
mg  nearly  all  dismounted,  or  not  manageable,  a  stem  an- 

ZT  \"'  n'^^^^r'  ^«^'^  ^"^  «"<i  th;  ship  wind, 
ed  w.th  a  fresTi  broad^de  on  the  enemy's  ship,  which  soon 
after  surrendered.  Our  broadside  was  the!,,  sprung,  to 
bear  on  the  brig,  which  surrendeied  in  about  15  minitos 

The  sloop,  that  was  opposed  to  the  Eagle,  had  struck 
some  time  before,  and  drlAcd  down  the  iSie  j  the  sloop 
which  was  with  their  gallies,  having  struck  also.  S 
of  their  plhes  are  sa.a  to  be  sunk  f  the  others  pulled  ofl' 
Our  ealhes  were  about  obeying,  with  alacrity,  the  signal 
to  foflow  them,  when  all  their  vessels  were  r^portetf  to 
me,  as  being  in  a  sinking  state ;  it  then  became  necessary 

the^" urn  s^  "^"  *""  ^^"'^'''  ^"'^  °'''^^''  ^''^"'  '"^^  ^^ 
I  could  only  look  at  the  enemy's  gallies  going  ofT,  in  a 
Ishattered  condition;  for  there  was  not  a  mast,^i„  dthcr 
s(luadron,  that  could  stand  to  make  sail  on;  the  lower 
heginff  being  nearly  all  shot  away,  hung  down  as  though 
It  had  been  just  placed  over  the  mast-heads.  ^ 

L  ^*'^^^f***gf,^a'*  55  round  shot  in  her  hull;  the  Con- 
fiance  105.  The  enemy's  shot  passed,  principally,  just 
over  our  heads,  as  there  were  not  20  whofe  hammocki  in 
the  nettings,  at  the  close  of  the  action,  which  lasted,  with- 
out intermission,  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes. 

Ihe  absence,  and  sickness  of  Lieut.  Raymond  Perrv 
left  me  without  the  services  of  that  excellent  ofhW;  much' 
ouaht  fairly  to  be  attributed  to  him,  for  his  great  care, 
nd  attention,  m  disciplining  the  ship's  crew,  as  her  firs 
Lieutenant ;  his  phce  was  filled  by  a  gallant  young  offi- 
cer,  Lieut    Peter  Gamble,  who,  I  regret  to  inform  you, 
was  killed  early  ,n  the  action.     Acting  Lieut.  Valfette 
worked  the  1st  and  2d  divisions  of  guns,  with  able  effect 
bailing-master  Brum's  attention  to  the  springs,  and  in  the 
execution  of  the  order  to  wind  the  ship,^nd  occasionally 
»t  the  guns,  meets  with  my  entire  approbation  ;  also  Capt. 
Koungs,  commandmg  the  acting  marines,  who  took  hi. 


'^^\ 


m 


240 


>■.* 


men  to  the  guns.  Mr.  Beale,  Purser,  was  of  great  ser- 
vice at  the  guns,  and  in  carrying  raj  orders  throughout 
the  ship,  with  Midshipman  Montgomery.  Master's  mate, 
Joshua  Justin,  had  command  of  the  third  division  ;  his 
conduct,  during  the  action,  was  that  of  a  brave  and  cor- 
rect officer.  Midshipmen  Monteath,  Graham,  William- 
son,  Piatt,  Theving,  and  acting  Midshipman  Baldwin,  all 
behaved  well,  and  gave  evidence  of  their  making  valuable 
officers. 

The  Saratoga  was  twice  set  on  fire,  by  hot  shot  from 
the  enemy's  ship. 

I  close,  sir,  tnis  communication  with  feelings  of  grati- 
tude,  for  the  able  support  I  received  from  every  officer 
and  man  attached  to  the  squadron,  which  I  have  the  hon- 
or to  command. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

T.  M'DONOUGH. 
Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded^  on  board  the  U.  States 
squadronyin  the  above  action. — Killed,  52;  wounded,  SB- 
total,  1 10.  Our  force  amounted  to  86  guns — that  of  the 
enemy  to  95  guns. 


^^ 


W  %■  Mi' 


SORTIE  NEAR  FORT  ERIE. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Major-General  Brown,  to  the  Secretary  oj' 

War,  dated 

H.  Q.  Fort  Erie,  Sept.  18,  1814. 

SIR — I  have  the  satisfaction  to  announce  to  you  a  bril- 
liant achievement,  yesterday  effected  by  the  forces  under 
my  command.  A  sortie  was  made  upon  the  enemy's  bat- 
teries— these  were  carried  ;  we  blew  up  hi-  principal 
work,  destroyed  his  battering  pieces,  and  captured  400 
prisoners.  The  enemy  resisted  our  assault  witn  firmness^ 
but  suffered  greatly — his  total  loss  cannot  be  less  than 
800  men. 


liot  shot  from 


241 

In  such  a  business,  we  could  not  but  expect  to  lose 
many  valuable  hves;  they  were  offered  up  V  voluntary 
sacr^ce  to  the  s.fety  and  honor  of  this  army  and  natlo^ 

I  will  forward  to  you  the  particulars  of  this  splendid  af- 
fair, with  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  in  the 
course  of  a  [ew  days.  , 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

Hon.  See.  of  War.  JACOB  BROWN. 

GEN.  MACOMB'S  DETAILED  KEPORT. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Macomb,  to  (he  Secretary  of  War,  dated 

^'  ^  P^^^^^^^rg^*  Sept.  15,  1814. 
bIR--.I  have  the  honor  to  communicate,  for  the  informa- 
tion of  the  war  department,  the  particulars  of  the  advance 
oi  the  enemy  into  the  territory  of  the  U.  States,  the  cir- 
cumstances attending  the  siege  of  Plattsburgh,  and  the 
dejence  of  the  posts  entrusted  to  my  charge. 

The  Governor-General  of  the  Canadas,  Sir  Georce 
Preyost,  having  collected  all  the  disposable  force  of  Low- 
er Canada,  with  a  view  of  conquering  the  country  as  far 
as  Crown-pomt  and  Ticonderoga,  entered  the  territory  of 
the  U.  States,  on  the  first  of  the  month,  and  occupied  the 
Village  of  Champlain— there  avowed  his  intentions,  and 
issued  orders  and  proclamations,  tending  to  dissuade  the 
people  from  their  allegiance,  and  inviting  them  to  furnish 
his  army  with  provisions.     He  immediately  began  to  im- 
press the  waggons,  and  teams,  in  the  vicinity,  and  loaded 
them  v7ith  his  heavy  baggage  and  stores ;  from  this,  I  was 
persuaded  he  intended  lo  attack  this  place.     I  had  but 
just  returned  from  the  lines,  where  I  had  commanded  a 
[ne  brigade,  which  was  broken  up  to  form  the  division  of 
Maj.  Gen.  Izard,  ordered  to  the  westward.     Being  senior 
officer,  he  left  me  in  command  ;  and,  except  the  four  com- 
panies of  the  6th  regiment,  I  had  not  an  organized  batta- 
lion among  those  remaining  ;  the  garrison  was  composed 
0  convalescents,  and  the  recruits  of  the  new  regiments—- 
all  in  the  greatest  confusion,  as  well  as  the  ordnance  and 
stores,  and  the  works  in  no  state  of  defence.     To  create 

H  h 


Jl: 


V      *  "*     V^ 


S'  1 


'I 


:?: 


^y^ 


:| 


r   •**  ■■ 


^^ 


242 

an  emulation  and  zeal,  among  the  oUicers  and  men  in 
completing  the  works,  I  divided  them  into  detachments 
and  placed  them  near  the  several  forts— declaring,  in  or- 
ders, that  each  detachment  was  the  garrison  of  its  own 
work,  and  bound  to  defend  it  to  the  last  extremity. 

The  enemy  advanced  cautiously,  and  by  short  marches 
and  our  soldiers  woi  ked  day  and  night ;  so  that,  by  the 
time  he  made  his  appearance  before  the  place,  we  were 
prepared  to  receive  him. 

Gen.  Izar^  named  the  principal  work  Fort  Moreau  • 
and,  to  remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave 
countrymen,  I  called  the  redoubt,  on  the  right,  fort  Brown  • 
and  that  on  the  left,  fort  Scott ;  besides  these  three  works 
we  have  two  block-houses,  strongly  fortified. 

Finding,  on  examining  the  returns  of  the  garrison,  that 
our  force  did  not  exceed  fifteen  hundred  men  for  duty, 
and  well  informed  that  the  enemy  had  as  many  thousand, 
I  called  on  Gen.  Mooers,  of  the  New- York  militia,  and 
arranged,  with  him,  plans  for  bringing  forth  the  militia,  en 
masse.  The  inhabitants  of  the  village  fled,  with  their  fa- 
milies and  effects,  except  a  few  Worthy  citizens,  and  some 
boys,  who  formed  themselves  into  a  party,  received  rifles, 
and  were  exceedingly  useful. 

By  the  4th  of  the  month,  Gen.  Mooers  collected  about 
700  militia,  and  advanced  7  miles  on  the  Beekman  Town 
road,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy,  and  to  skirmish 
with  him  as  he  advanced — also,  to  obstruct  the  roads  with 
fallen  trees,  and  to  break  up  the  bridges.     On  the  lake 
road,  at  Dead-creek  bridge,  1  posted   200  men,  unde 
Capt.  Sproul,  of  the  13th  regiment,  with  orders  to  abatti 
the  woods,  to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortifi 
himself;  to  this  party  I  added  two  field  pieces.    In  at' 
Tance  of  that  position,  was  Lieut.  Col.  Appling,  with  11 
riJIeraen,  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  pr(^ 
curing  intelligence.     It  was  ascertained  that,  before  day 
light  on  the  6th,  the  enemy  would  advance  in  two  columns 
on  the  two  roads  before  mentioned,  dividing  at  Sampson's 
a  little  below  Chazy  village.     The  column,  on  the  Beek 
man  Town  road,  proceeded  most  rapidly;    the  militi 
skirmished  with  their  advanced  parties,  and,  except  a  fe 


^Rrb.'- 


« 


243 

fire  on  them,  except \"  to„&  ^J''  T'  '^'T  '» 
"roles.  The  nightVevious!  o^  Mafor  WoT,^  '^^ 
,  ranee,  with  a  detachment  of  23ri  m.„  ,'  Wool  to  ad- 
litia,  and  set  them  an  e  "amDlfof T  '  '"PP,""  "*  ""'■ 
Leonard,  of  the  liVht  »rtS  *'T''' '  '»'^''  Captain 

with  t,vo'  piecet  t^t  Int'^^rZdte"'^  ,'°  ^'^'^ 
did  not  make  his  appearate" Z^i  8  nt'T  t'^T^'' !'" 
-my  had  approach'eS  withb  .rLJe:  of  thetS ''"' 

.aoy,  but  the  mSitia^'oodSt-  Le  p°ti7ed    ^T  "'^i' 

notwuhstanding  the  exertion;  of  tErOenlraT  an"d  ^  ff 
officers,  although  the  fiolH.  u,.™  i-  • ,   ,  "'™''  and  stafl 

Ualls,  and  they  were  toW  11,!,^  "''''  '">'  '""™S  """^ 
My  cnt  them  y  The  3,ato  fr.T'"^  -^^W  not  oossi- 
«ear  red  coats;  and!  they  teh,»S"'h  ?'^,New-fork, 
Ihe  enemy,  gave  constant  L™?  1  """..^P'Sh's  lo  watch 

*em/orL^;e™:rd'£Ci^ -^g:;  r^i 

IFindina:  the  enemv's  r>ol.»«.r,o  V  j  ^^        »  "  *"®"^ ''ear. 

a  destructive  fire  from  li^.  r  fl!  JT  V  ^^'^  ^^  Po^^ed  in 
toannoythecoTumTL  Ih  r  ™'"/*.'^^*'  ""^  continued 
?ool      Th!  S    •        }f  ^'''"'^^  ^  J"n<^t'o«  with  Major 

enemy,  th^at  he  neve^  del"  d""  k'  ^TT^'  ^^«  ^^^ 
ways  pressing  on  rcolu^rt'"^-^''  T^^^^  "^^^^'  ^^- 

lf,„*         L-  r'"*e'^on>  and  to  cover  tlie  retivAt  nfih^  :„ 
-f  the  wo^ts^   'The'te^y^Ko^  "c::^:;^ 


t-  ''n 


f  * 


'■4! 


244 

the  bouses  near  the  bridge,  and  kept  up  a  constant  firing 
from  the  windows  and  balconies,  and  annoyed  us  much~>- 
1  ordered  them  to  be  driven  out  with  hot  snot,  which  soon 
put  the  houses  in  flames,  and  obliged  these  sharp-shoot- 
ers to  retire.  The  whole  day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see, 
the  enemy's  light  troops  endeavored  to  drive  our  guards 
from  the  bridge  ;  but  they  suffered  dearly  for  their  per- 
severance. An  attempt  was  also  made  to  cross  the  upper 
brido-e,  where  the  militia  handsomely  drove  them  back. 

tSc  column  which  marched  by  the  lake  road,  was 
much  impeded  by  obstructions,  and  the  removal  of  the 
bridge  at  Dead-creek ;  and,  as  it  passed  the  creek  and 
beach,  the  gallies  kept  up  a  lively  and  galling  fire. 

Our  troops  being  now  all  on  the  south  side  of  the  Sara- 
nac,  I  directed  the  planks  to  be  taken  off  the  bridges,  and 
piled  up  in  the  form  of  breast-works,  to  cover  our  oarties 
mtended  for  disputing  the  passage,  which  afterwards  ena- 
bled us  to  hold  the  bridges  against  very  superior  numbers. : 
From  the  7  th  to  the  11  th,  the  enemy  was  employed  in 
getting  his  battering  train,  and  erecting  his  batteries  and 
approaches,  and  constantly  skirmishing  at  the  bridges  I 
and  fords.     By  this  time,  the  militia  ol  New-York,  and 
volunteers  from  Vermont,  were  pourin^  in  from  all  quar-l 
ters.     I  advised  Gen  Mooers  to  keep  his  force  along  the  i 
Saranac,  to  prevent  the  enemy  crossing  the  river,  and  to 
send  a  strong  body  in  his  rear,  to  harrass  him  day  and 
night,  and  keep  him  in  continual  alarm.     The  militia  be- 
haved with  great  spirit  after  the  first  day,  and  the  volun- 
teers from  Vermont  were  exceedingly  serviceable.    Our 
regular  troops,  notwithstanding  the  constant  skirmishing, 
and  repeated  endeavors  of  the  enemy  to  cross  the  river, 
kept  at  their  work,  day  and  night,  strengthening  their 
defences,  and  evinced  a  determination  to  hold  out  to  thef 
last  extremity.  .  I 

It  was  reported  that  the  enemy  only  awaited  the  arri-| 
val  of  his  flotilla,  to  make  a  general  attack.  About  8,  onl 
the  morning  of  the  11th,  as  was  expected,  the  flotillal 
appeared  in  sight,  round  Cumberland  Head,  and  at  9,  borej 
down  and  engaged  our  flotilla,  at  anchor,  in  the  bay,  offl 
this  town.     At  the  same  instant,  the  batteries  were  opened] 


SWsi 


245 

on  us,  and  continued  throwing  bomb-shelli,  shrapnelli, 
balls,  and  Congreve  rockets,  until  sun-set,  when  the  bom- 
bardment ceased ;  every  battery  of  the  enemy  being  si- 
lenced by  the  superiority  of  our  fire.    The  naval  engage- 
ment lasted  2  hours,  in  full  view  of  both  armies;  three 
efforts  were  made,  by  the  enemy,  to  pass  the  river  at  the 
commencement  of  the  cannonade  and  bombardment,  with 
a  view  of  assaulting  the  works,  and  had  prepared  for  that 
purpose  an  immense  number  of  scaling  ladders ;  one  at- 
tempt was  made  to  cross  at  the  village  bridge ;  another 
at  the  upper  bridge ;  and  a  third,  at  a  ford,  about  three 
miles  from  the  works; — at  the  two  first  he  was  repulsed 
hy  the  regulars  j  at  the  lord,  by  the  brave  volunteers  and 
militia—where  he  suffered  severely  in  killed,  wounded, 
and  prisoners,  a  considerable  body  having  passed  the 
stream,  but  were  either  killed,  taken,  or  driven  back. — 
The  woods,  at  this  place,  were  very  favorable  to  the  ope- 
rations of  our  militia;  a  whole  company  of  the  76th  regi- 
ment was  here  destroyed — the  three  Lieutenants,  and  27 
men,  prisoners;  the  Captain,  and  the  rest,  killed. 

I  cannot  forego  the  pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant 
conduct  of  Captain  M'Glassin,  of  the  15th  regiment,  who 
was  ordered  to  ford  the  river,  and  attack  a  party  con- 
structing a  battery  on  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line,  with- 
1  in  500  yards  of  fort  Brown— which  he  handsomely  exe- 
cuted, at  midnight,  with  50  men  ;  drove  off  the  working 
party,  consisting  of  150,  and  defeated  a  covering  party  of 
the  same  number — killing  one  officer,  and  6  men,  in  the 
charge,  and  wounding  many.  At  dusk,  the  enemy  with- 
drew his  artillery  from  the  batteries,  and  raised  the  siege; 
and,  at  9,  under  cover  of  the  night,  sent  off  all  the  heavy 
baggage  he  could  find  transport  for,  and  also  his  artillery 
—at  2,  the  next  morning,  the  whole  army  precipitately 
retreated,  leaving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  our  generosi- 
ty, and  the  Governor  left  a  note  with  a  surgeon,  request- 
ing the  humane  attention  of  the  commanding  General. 
Vast  quantities  of  provision  were  left  behind,  and  destroy- 
ed;  also,  an  immense  quantity  of  bomb-shells,  cannon 
balls,  graoe  shot,  ammunition,  flints,  &c.  &c. ;  intrenching 
tools  of  all  sorts,  also  tents,  and  marquees.  A  great  quan- 


I 


l^<' 


m 


246 

lily  has  been  found  in  the  ponds  and  creeks,  and  buried  in 
the  grouiid---and  a  vast  quantity  carried  off  by  the  iniiabi- 
lants.  Such  was  the  precipitance  of  his  retreat,  that  he 
arrived  at  Chazy,  a  distance  of  8  miles,  before  we  had  dis- 
covered he  had  ^one.  The  hght  troops,  volunteers,  and 
mihtia, pursued  immediately,  on  learning  his  flight;  and 
some  of  the  mounted  men  made  prisoners  5  dragoons,  of 
the  1 9th,  and  several  others  of  the  rear  guard.  ^A  conti- 
nued  fall  of  rain,  and  a  violent  storm,  prevented  further 
pursuit.  Upwards  of  300  deserters  have  come  in,  and 
many  are  hourly  arriving. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officer^ 
and  soldiers,  of  my  command,  during  this  trying  occasion' 
cannot  be  represented  in  too  high  terms ;  and  ffeel  it  my 
duty  to  recommend,  to  the  particular  notice  of  govern- 
inent,  Lieut.  Col.  Appling,  of  the  1st  rifle  corps;  Major 
Wool,  of  the  29th;  Major  Totten,  of  the  corps  of  engi- 
neers;  Captain  Brooks,  of  the  artillery  ;  Captain  M'Glas- 
sin,  of  the  15th;  Lieutenarts  De  Russy  antf  Trescott,  of 
the  corps  of  engineers  ;  Lieutenants  Smyth,  Mountford, 
and  Cromwell,  of  the  artillery;  also,  my  aid,  Lieut.  Root, 
who  have  all  distinguished  themselves,  by  their  uncom- 
mon zeal  and  activity,  and  have  been  greatly  instrumen- 
tal in  producmg  the  happy  and  glorious  result  of  the 
siege. 

I  have  the  hftnor,  &c. 

ALEX.MACOMR 
The  loss  of  the  enemy,  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners, 
and  deserters,  since  his  first  appearance,  cannot  fall  short 
of  2,500,  including  many  officers,  among  whom  is  Colonel 
Wellington,  of  the  Buffs. 

Beturn  of  killed  and  wounded,  on  the  American  side, 
during  the  skirmishing  and  bombardment  above  described': 
Killed,  37— wounded,  66— missing,  20— total,  123. 

The  principal  officers  of  the  British  army,  under  Sir 
G.  Prevost,  are  named  by  Gen.  Macomb  in  the  above  ac- 
count ;  and  the  particuUir  description  of  forces,  how  many 


247 
BATTLE  NEAR  BALTIMORE. 

^W  of  a  letter  from  Maj  General  Smith,  to  the  Secretary  of 

IVar,  dated  •       ^  '' 

H.  Q.  Baltimore,  Sept.  19,  1 014. 

hlf  *h  '  ,^  T\'l  ^^^^  "°^  t'^e  ^onor  of  statinff. 

oay  the  12th  inst.  at  North  Point,  14  miles  distant  from 

SCdettt'r''"^'^!?  ^^'^^^^^'-'  Gen.  Stricke 
ftaa  been  detached,  on  Sunday  evening,  with  a  portion  of 

h.s  brigade,  on  the  North  Pofnt  road.^  MaL  Car  nf 

flfco^'f 'T*^  "'"^'^J  ^^^-g  underK^i^a 
hght  corps  of  riflemen,  and  musquetry,  taken  from  G^„ 

Stansbuy 's  brigade,  and  the  Pennsylvania  volunteers  was* 
detached  to  the  mouth  of  Bear  Creek,  with  orders  to  c^ 
I  T.T.^''^  Gen.  Strieker,  and  to  check  any  landing 
Uhich  the  enemy  might  attempt  in  that  quarter  of 
Monday,  Brig.  Gen.  Strieker  toik  a  good  position,  at  the 
junction  of  the  two  roads,  leading  from  this  place T^  North 
Point  having  his  nght  flanked  %y  Bear  cLk,  and  h^' 
left  by  a  marsh ;  he  here  awaited  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  having  sent  on  an  advanced  corps,  under  thfcom- 
mand  of  Major  Heath,  of  the  5th  regimen  t.  This  advan^ 
jvas  met  bv  that  of  the  enemy,  and  after  some  skiimthTn^ 
.  returnecl  to  the  hne,  the  main  bodvof  the  enemTbS 

2^5  f  M  ^f  T"  "*  '^^'  °^  '^^^  advance.  Between 
2  and  3  o'clock,  the  enemy's  whole  force  came  up  and 
commenced  the  battle  by  some  discharges  of  rSk'?. 
which  were  succeeded  by  the  cannon,  f?om  both  side  ' 
nd  soon  after,  the  action  became  general  throug  the 
ne.  Gen.  Strieker  ^Hantly  maintained  his  gTou^ 
against  a  great  superiority  of  numbers,  during  the^spacc 

left  r^hTi'^  •^-  "^'""^'^^  ^^^"'  '^'  regiSent  on  his 
^ft  (the  5  St)  giving  way,  he  was  under  the  necessity  ^• 
retiring  to  the  ground  in  his  rear,  where  he  had  stalbned 
ne  regiment  as  a  reserve.  He  here  formed  his  britf^de 
but  the  enemjr  not  thinking  it  advisable  to  pursue'fe! in 
compliance  with  previous  arrangements,  l\\  U^Z 


11  ; 


>,-*^*t^r-?'->.^- 


248 


took  post  on  the  left  of  my  entrenchments,  and  a  half 
mile  m  advance  of  them. 

In  this  affair,  the  citizen  soldiers  of  Baltimore,  with  the 
exception  of  the  51st  regiment,  have  maintained  the  repu- 
tation they  so  deservedly  acquired  at  Bladensburgh ;  and 
their  brave,  and  skilful  leader  has  confirmed  the  confidence, 
which  wc  had  all  so  justly  placed  in  him.  I  take  the  liberty 
of  referring  you  to  his  letter,  for  the  more  particular  men- 
tion of  the  individuals,  who,  new  to  warfare,  have  shown 
the  coolness  and  valor  of  veterans ;  and  who,  by  their  con- 
duct on  this  occasion,  have  given  their  country,  and  their 
city,  an  assurance  of  what  may  be  expected  from  them, 
when  their  services  are  again  required.  I  cannot  dismiss 
the  subject  without  expressing  the  heartfelt  satisfaction  I 
experience,  in  thus  bearing  testimony  to  the  courage  and 
good  conduct  of  my  fellow-townsmen.  About  the  time 
Gen.  Strieker  had  taken  the  ground  just  mentioned,  he 
was  joined  by  Brig.  Gen.  Winder,  who  had  been  stationed 
on  the  west  side  of  the  city  ;  but  was  now  ordered  io 
march  with  Gen.  Douglass'  brigade  of  Virginia  militia,  and 
the  U.  States  dragoons,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Bird,  and  take  post  on  the  left  of  Gen.  Strieker.  During 
these  movements,  the  brigades  of  Generals  Stansbury  and 
Foreman,  the  seamen  and  marines,  under  Com.  Rodgers, 
the  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  under  Colonels  Cobean  and 
Findley,  the  Baltimore  artillery,  under  Col.  Harris,  and 
the  marine  artillery,  under  Capt«  Stiles,  manned  the  trench> 
es  and  the  batteries,  all  prepared  to  receive  the  enemy— 
we  remained  in  this  situation,  during  the  night. 

On  Tuesday,  the  enemy  appeared  before  my  entrench- 
ments, at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  on  the  Pniladelphia 
road,  from  whence  he  had  a  full  view  of  our  position. 

He  manoeuvred,  during  the  morning,  towards  our  left, 
as  if  with  intention  of  making  a  circuitous  march,  and 
coming  down  on  the  Harford  or  York  roads.  Generals 
Winder  and  Strieker  were  directed  to  adapt  their  move- 
ments to  those  of  the  enemy,  so  as  to  baffle  this  supposed 
intention  ;  they  executed  this  order  with  great  skill  and 
judgment,  by  taking  an  advantageous  position,  stretching 
from  my  left  across  the  country,  where  the  enemy  was 


U49 

likely  to  approach  the  quarter  he  seemed  to  threaten;-. 
th.9  movement  induced  the  enemy  to  concentrate  his  /ois. 
ces  (between  1  and  2  o'clock)  in  my  front,  pushing,  his 
ttdrance  to  withm  a  mde  of  us,  drivinoin  our  v.dettesand 
showmg  an  intention  of  attacking  us  that  evoninp-.  im- 
»ned.ate)y  drew  Generals  Winder  and  Strieker  nearer  To 
the  left  of  m^  intrenchments,  and  to  tiie  liHit  of  tiie  ene- 
my,  with  an  intention  of  their  falling  on  his^rio-ht,  or  roar, 
[should  he  attack  mej  or,  if  he  declined  it,  ol"  attackin<^ 
nim  in  the  morning.  *^ 

Tbfhis  movement,  and  to  the  strength  of  my  defences, 
[which  the  enemy  had  the  fairest  opportunity'of  obacrv- 
mg)  1  am  induced  to  attribute  his  retreat,  which  was  com- 
menced at  half  past  1  o'clock,  on  Wednesday  morninc.^ 
\m  this  he  was  so  favored,  by  the  extreme  darkness  Snd 
continued  rain,  that  wc  did  not  discover  it  until  day-hVht. 
I  consented  to  Gen.  Winder'^  pursuing,  with  the  VhSnk 
brigade  and  the  U.  States  dragoons?  at  the  same  lime 
Major  Randal  was  dispatched,  with  his  light  corps  in 
pursuit,  oh  the  enemy's  right,  whilst  the  whSle  of  tlie  mi^ 
iitia  cavalry  was  put  in  motion  for  the  same  object.     All 
the  troops  Were,  however,  worn  out  with  continued  watch- 
ing, and  with  being  under  arms  three  days  and  ni«-hts. 
exposed,  a  greater  part  of  the  time,  to  very  inclement 
weather,  that  it  was  found  impracticable  to  do  any  thino- 
more  than  pick  up  a  fe^y  stragglers.     The  enemy  com"- 
menced  his  embarkation  that  evening,  and  completed  it 
the  next  day  at  1  o'clock;  it  would  have  been  impossible, 
even  had  our  troops  been  in  a  condition  to  act  offbnsivelv, 
0  have  cut  off  any  part  of  the  enemy's  rear  guard  durino- 
he  embarkation,  as  the  point  where  it  was  etfected  wasi 
(lelended  from  our  approach  by  a  line  of  defences,  extend- 
ing h-om  Back-river  to  Humphy's  Creek,  on  the  Patapsco, 

,  thrown  up  by  ourselves,  previous  to  their  arrival.     I  have 

|ilow  the  pleasure  of  calling  yoUr  attention  to  the  brave 
commander  of  Fort  M'Henry,  Major  Armistead,  and  to 

.  .he  operations  confined  to  that  quarter.  The  enemy  made 
Ills  approach  by  water,  at  the  same  time  he  did  bV  land. 

1 5r)d  commenced  a  discharge  of  bombs  and  rockets  at  thfi 

T    i 


h  I 


my. . 


2rjo 


[f 


rsy 


w% 

fl 

Bfi 

[\ 

lut 

B* 

^^^^B^l;^ 

«  M^ 

K 

^^^Kjfl 

11 

r 

m 

1 

siM 

.1* 

^^kII 

1 

>R 

^^^^^^vila 

in 

e 

fort,  as  soon  as  he  came  within  range  of  it  The  situatioo 
of  Major  Arinihtead  was  peculiarly  trying,  the  enemv 
having  taken  his  position  at  8uch  a  distance  as  to  ren. 
der  offensive  operations,  on  the  part  of  the  fort,  entire* 
]y  fruitless,  whilst  their  honr)b»and  rockets  were  every 
moment  falling  in  and  about  it;  the  officers  and  men 
being  at  the  same  time  entirely  exposed.  The  vessels, 
however,  had  the  temerity  to  approach  somewhat  near- 
er— they  were  soon  compelled  to  withdraw. 

During  the  night,  whilst  the  enemy  on  land  was  re> 
treating,  and  whilst  the  bombardment  was  the  most  se- 
vere, two  or  three  rocket-vessels,  and  barges,  succeed- 
ed in  getting  up  the  ferry  branch  ;  but  they  were  soon 
compelled  to  retire,  by  the  forts  in  that  quarter,  coin- 
manded  by  Lieut.  Newcomb,  of  the  navy,  and  Lieut. 
Webster,  of  the  flotilla — these  boats  also  destroyed  | 
one  of  the  barges,  with  all  on  board  ;  the  barges  and] 
battery,  at  the  Lazaretto,  under  the  command  of  Lieut. 
Rutter,  of  the  flotilla,  kept  up  a  brisk,  and  it  is  believ- 
ed a  successful  fire,  during  the  hottest  period  of  the 
bombardment.     Major  Armistead  being  seriously  ill, 
in  consequence  of  his  continued  exposure  to  the  wea- 
ther, has  rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to  send  in  his 
report.    It  is  not,  therefore,  in  my  power,  to  do  justice 
to  those  gallant  individuals  who  partook  with  him  the 
danger  of  a   tremendous  bombardment,  without  the 
ability  of  retorting,  and  without  the  security,  which,  inl 
more  regular  fortifications,  is  provided  for*  such  occa-l 
sions.     The  loss,  in  the  fort,  is  4  killed,  and  24  wound-l 
cd ;  (the  wounded  will  all  recover.)     The  killed  and! 
wounded  of  Gen.  Strieker's  brigade,  is  believed  to  bel 
about  LW— among  the  former  is  James  Lowry  Donald-I 
son.  Adjutant  of  the  27th.  | 

I  cannot  conclude  this  report  without  informing  youl 
of  the  great  aid  I  have  derived  from  Com.  Kodgers— liej 
was  ever  present,  and  ever  ready  to  afford  his  useful 
counsel,  and  to  render  his  important  services  ;  his  pre^ 
sence,  with  that  of  his  gallant  officers  and  seamen,  gav« 
confidence  to  every  one. 


251 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Hon.  Sec,  War,^^''^''  ''"^«'  ^^"^  ^--  ^«-^. 


DEFENCE  OP  FORT  M'HENRY. 

Ccpyo/a  Uttcr/rom  Lieut  Col.  A.^isUad,  tothe  Secretary  of 

War,  dated  '  ■' 

A  ««tr^      •  A'        .  ^^''^  ^'Henry,  Sept.  24lh,  1814. 
A  severe  indisposition,  the  effect  of  great  fatiffue  and 
exposure,  has  prevented  me,  heretofore,  from  p.^^^^^^^^^ 

m  ni^ht  of  Saturday  the  JOth  insJ.  the  British  fleet 
consKs„ng  of  ships  of  the  line,  heavy  frigates  a  3  bc^^b 
vessels,  amounting,  in  the  whole,  to  30  sail  appeal 
al  the  mouth  of  the  river  Patapsco,  vvi.h  ever/?ndTJ 
.on  of  an  attempt  on  the  city  of  Baltimore.     My  own 
force  consisted  of  one  company  of  United  States  artil- 
lery, under  Capt.  Evans,andtwo  companies  of  sea-fen- 
cibles.  under  Captains  Bunbury  and  Addis<m.  Of  these 
three  companies,  35  men  were  unfortunately  on  the 
sick  list,  and  unfit  for  duty.     I  had  been  furnished  with 
two  companies  of  volunteer  artillery,  from  the  city  of 
Baltimore,  under  Capt.  Berry  and  Lieut.  Commandant 
Penmngton.    lo  these  I  must  add  another  very  fine 
company  of  volunteer  artillerists,  under  judge  Nichol- 
ton,  who  had  proffered  their  services  to  aid  in  the  de- 
fence of  this  post,  whenever  an  attack  might  be  appre- 
end«d;  and  also  a  detachment  from  Com.  Barney's 
flotilla,  under  Lieut.  Rodman.     Brig.  Gen.  Winder  had 
also  furnished  me  with  about  six  hundred  infantry  un- 
der the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Steuart  and  Maior 
KHf'  ^?"«»«}»"«  "f  detachments  from  the  12th,  1 4th 
36th,  and  38th  regiments  of  United  States  troops— the 
total  amouatingto  about  1000  effective  men. 


■* 


292 


11 


ji< 


I  *fl 


On  Monday  ruorrnnja;  very  early,  it  was  perceived 
that  Ihe  enemy  was  landing;  troops  on  th<"  east  side  of 
tlie  Patapsro,  diblant  abolition  miles.  During  that  Jay, 
and  the  cnsuinji  night,  he  had  brought  sixteen  ships,  (in. 
clndini;  five  bomb  ships,)  within  about  two  miles  and 
an  half  of  this  fort.  I  liad  arranged  my  force  as  loN 
Iowh: — the  niguhir  artillerists,  under  Capt.  Evans,  and 
the  volunteers,  under  Capt.  Nicholson,  manned  the  bas- 
tions in  the  star  fort.  Captains  Bunbury's,  Addison's, 
U()dman'.s,  Berry's,  and  Lieut.  Commandant  Penning- 
t<ui'.'^  commands,  were  stationed  on  the  lower  works; 
and  the  infantry,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Steuart  and  Major 
Lane,  wore  in  the  outer  ditch,  to  meet  the  enemy  at  his  j 
landins;,  should  he  attempt  one. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  about  sun-rise,  the  enemy  com- j 
menced  the  attack,  from  his  five  bomb  vessels,  at  the 
distance  of  about  two  miles;    when,  finding  that  his] 
shells  reached  us,  he  anchored,  and  kept  up  an  inces- 
sant and  w(dl-direcled  bombardment.     We  immediate-] 
ly  opened  our  batteries,  and  kept  a  brisk  lire  from  oui| 
guns  and  mortars ;  but  unfortunately  our  shot  and  shells 
all  fell  Cf)nsidcrably  short  of  him.     This  was,  to  me,  al 
most  distressing  circumstance  ;  as  it  left  us  exposed  to! 
a  constant  and  tremendous  shower  of  shells,  without  tlie| 
most  remote  possibility  of  our  doing  him  the  slightest 
injury.     It  affords  me  the  highest  gratification  to  state] 
that»  although  we  were  left  thus  exposed,  and  thus  in-j 
active,  not  a  man  shrunk  from  the  conflict. 

About  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  one  of  the  24  pounders,  or 
the  south  west  bastion,  under  the  immediate  conimanc 
of  Capt.  ISicholson,  was  dismounted  by  a  shell;  theex-j 
plosion  from  which  killed  his  2d  Lieutenant,  and  wound] 
ed  several  oi  his  men ;  the  bustle  necessarily  produced] 
in  removing  the  wounded  and  re-mounting  the  gunj 
probably  induced  the  enemy  to  suspect  that  we  wer^ 
in  a  state  of  confusion,  as  he  brought  in  three  of  hii 
bomb  ships  to  what  I  believed  to  be  good  striking  disl 
tance.  I  immediately  ordered  a  fire  to  be  opened! 
which  was  obeyed  with  alacrity  through  the  whole  garj 
risen,  and  in  half  an  hour  those  intruders  again  sbeUerl 


^: 


253 

.;cl  IhemselFes,  by  withdrawing  beyond  our  reach.  We 
t^avi  lliiee  cheera,  and  again  ceastd  HrinK.  The  ene- 
my continued  throwing  shells,  with  one  or  two  elinht 
inl^nniM..ion8,  till  1  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Wednes- 
day, wlien  It  vyaH  (liscovered  that  he  had  availed  him. 
'.  /  "*  '/'e  darkness  of  the  night,  and  had  thrown  a  con- 
sideral.lo  force  aiwve  to  our  right;  they  had  approach- 
ed ver>  near  to  fort  Covington,  when  thoy  began  to 
throw  rockets— inlendcd,  I  presuu.e,  to  give  them  an 
oppiMtur.ity  of  examining  the  shores  :  as  I  have  fince 
understood,  they  had  detached  1250  picked  men.  with 
scaling  hidfjers,  for  the  purpose  of  s(o,ming  this  fort. 
We  onro  more  had  an  opportunity  of  opening  our  bat- 
teries, and  krpt  \ip  a  coi^tinued  blaze  for  nearly  two 
hours,  wliici,  had  I  ho  ellect  again  to  drive  them  ofT 

In  justice  to  Lieut  Newcomb,  of  the  U.  States  navy  • 
who  co.nmand.Ml  at  fort  Covington,  whh  a  detachment 
ot  sailors,  and  L.eut.  \Vi.b8ter,  of  the  flotilla,  who  com- 
manded the  SIX  gun  ballery,  near  that  fort,  1  ou«rht  to 
state,  that,  diu  ing  this  ti,ne,they  kept  up  an  animated, 
and  I  believe  a  very  destructive  fire,  to  which,  1  am 
persuaded,  we  are  much  indebted  in  repulsing  the  ene- 
my. One  of  his  sunken  barges  has  since  been  found 
with  two  dead  men  in  it— otiutrs  have  been  seen  float' 
ing  in  the  river.  The  only  means  we  had  of  directing- 
our  guns,  was  by  the  blaze  of  their  rockets,  and  t\w 
flashes  ot  their  guns.  Had  they  ventured  to  the  same 
situation  in  the  day-time,  not  a  man  would  have  es- 
caped. 

The  bombardment  continued,  on  the  part  of  thcyene- 
my,  until  7  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning,  when  it 
ceased ;  and  about  nine,  their  ships  got  under  weigh 
and  stood  down  the  river.  During  the  bombardment' 
which  lasted  25  hours,  (with  two  slight  intermissions,) 
trom  the  best  calculation  I  can  make,  from  fifteen  to 
eighteen  hundred  shells  were  thrown  by  the  enemy 
A  few  of  these  fell  short.  A  large  proportion  burst 
over  us,  throwing  their  fragments  among  us,  and  threat^ 
ening  destruction.  Many  passed  over/  and  about  four 
hundred  fell  within  the  works.     Two  of  the  public 


y:M 


Ki^# 

^w' 

^Kf^k¥^^ 

j^Sil 

EiH>|K 

H,fml^?BB^ 

R'lyiv 

mm 

254 

buildings  are  materially  injured— the  others  but  slight- 
ly.  I  am  happy  t<i  inform  you  (wonuerful  as  it  may 
appear)  that  our  loss  amounts  only  to  four  men  killed 
and  twenty-four  wounded.  The  latter  will  all  recover 
Among  the  killed,  I  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  Lieut 
Clagget,  and  sergeant  Clemm,  both  of  <  apt.  NichoU 
son's  volunteers ;  two  men,  whose  fate  is  to  be  deplor- 
ed,  not  only  for  their  personal  bravery,  but  for  their 
high  standing,  amiable  demeanor,  and  spotless  integri- 
ty, in  private  life.  Lieut.  Russel,  of  the  company  un- 
der Lieut,  Pennington,  received,  early  in  the  attack,  a 
severe  contusion  in  the  heel;  notwithstanding  which, 
he  remained  at  his  post  during  the  whole  bombardment. 
Were  I  to  name  any  individuals  who  signalized  them- 
selves, it  would  be  doing  injustice  to  others  Suffice 
it  to  say,  that  every  officer  and  soldier,  under  my  com- 
mand, did  their  duty  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

G.  AkMISTEAD,  Lt.Col.  U.  S.  Artil 
Hon.  .L  Munroe,  Sec.  War. 

SORTIE  AT  ERIE. 

Copy  of  a  Utter  from  Major-General  Brown,  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

H.  Q.  Camp  Fort  Erie,  Sept.  29th,  1814. 

SIR—In  my  letter  of  the  18th  inst.  I  briefly  inform- 
ed you  of  the  fortunate  issue  of  the  sortie  which  took 
place  the  day  preceding.  But  it  is  due  to  the  gallant 
officers  and  men,  to  whose  bravery  we  are  indebted  for 
our  success  on  this  occasion,  that  I  should  give  you  a 
more  circumstantial  and  detailed  account  ofthis  affair. 

The  enemy's  camp  I  had  ascertained  to  be  situated 
in  a  field,  surrounded  by  woods,  nearly  two  miles  dis- 
tant from  their  batteries  and  entrenchments,  the  object 
of  which  was  to  keep  the  parts  of  the  force,  which  was 
not  upon  duty,  out  of  the  range  of  our  fire  from  fort 
Eric  and  Black  Rock.    Their  infantry  was  formed  in- 


255 

each''ot%;r^^^^^^  ^1°^  15  hundred  men 

each.    One  of  these  brigades,  with  a  detail  from  their 

artillery,  was  Htationed  at  their  works,  (theThetnl 

about  500  yards  distant  from  old  fort  Erie,  and   hf 

"«bt  «f  5>"r  Ijne       We  had  already  suffered  much 

from  the  fire  of  two  of  their  batteries,  and  were  aware 

that  a  third  was  about  to  open  upon  us.     Under  theS 

circumstances.  I  resolved  to  storm'  the  batteries,  de  troy 

the  cannon,  and  roughly  handle  the  brigade  upon  til 

before  those  in  reserve  could  be  brought  into  action 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th.  the  inffntri  and  J  flel 

men  regulars  and  militia,  were  ordered  to 'be  paraded 

and  put  in  readiness  to  march,  precisely  at  12  o'clock 

fhlV^T"'  '^^'^  't  X«»""teers.  Colonel  Gibson!  with 

he  rflemen   ond  Major  Brooks,  with  the  23d  a.  d   " 

infantry   and  a  kv^  dragoons,  acting  as  infantry  were 

ordered  to  move  from  the  extreme  left  of  our  Kon 

upon  the  enemy's  right,  by  a  passage  opened  ^rorh 

he  woods  for  the  occasion,    den.  Miller  was  diSd 

to  station  his  conimand  in  the  ravine,  which  lies  between 

fort  Erie  and  the  enemy's  batteries,  by  passiiiffihpm 

fetw  f^r"/'  ^^'•'T^h^he  skirts  of  t^^ wool;  and 

the  2l8t  infantry,  under  Gen.  Ripley,  was  posted  as  a 

corps  of  reserve,  between  the  new  bastions  of  fort  Erie 

aI""*'*«;^'^*'''^'''  ^"^  ""^  °f  the  view  of  the  enemv 

About  20  minutes  before  3.  P.  M.  I  found  theTeft 

columns  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Porter    which 

rnTnffh'^R'^v'l*"';"  the  enemy's  right,  with  n  a  few 
rods  of  the  British  entrenchments.  They  were  ordered 
0  advance,  and  commence  the  action.    Passing  down 

hat  he  action  had  commenced  on  our  left;  I  now  has- 
tened to  Gen.  Miller,  and  directed  him  to  seize  the  mo 

bTtteVe^  Nr2\Vd^  entrenchment,  betwe", 

oaueries  JNo.  2  and  3.  My  orders  were  promptly  and 
ably  executed.  \\  ithin  30  minutes  after  the  first  lut 
was  fired,  batteries  ^o.  3  and  2,  Ihe  eneZ^sliJnl 
entrenchments,  and  his  two  block-house"  were  in  om 

rtrBdtisb  ThI'"'  '^*-*^^^f "  '  w^sabandonTl 
oy  the  iiutigb.    1  he  guns,  m  each,  were  spiked  by  us. 


256 


>, 


ftr  otherwise  destroyed,  and  the  magazine  of  No.  S  was 
blown  up. 

A  few  minutes  before  the  explosion,  I  had  ordered 
up  the  reserve,  under  Gen.  llipley  ;  as  he  passed  me, 
at  the  head  of  his  column,  I  desired  him,  as  he  would 
be  the  senior  in  advance,  to  ascertain,  as  near  as  possi* 
6le,  the  situation  of  the  troops  in  general,  and  to  have 
a  care,  that  not  more  was  hazarded  than  tlie  occasion  re- 
quired ;  that  the  object  of  the  sortie  etl'ected,  the  troops 
would  retire,  in  good  order,  &c. — Gen.  Ripley  passed 
rapidly  on.  Soon  after,  I  became  alarmed  for  General 
Miller,  and  sent  an  order  for  the  2  J  st  to  hasten  to  hk 
support,  towards  battery  No.  1  :  Col.  Upham  received 
the  order,  and  advanced  to  the  aid  of  Gen.  Miller.— 
fien.  Ripley  had  inclined  to  the  left,  where  Maj.  Brooks' 
command  was  engaged,  with  a  view  o(  making  some  ne- 
sessary  enquiries  of  that  olKcer;  and,  in  the  act  of 
doing  so,  was  unfortunately  wounded.  By  this  .irae* 
ihe  object  of  the  sortie  was  accomplished  beyond  my 
most  sanguine  expectations.  Gen.  Miller  had  conse- 
quently ordered  the  troops,  on  the  right,  to  fall  back  ; ; 
observing  this  movement,  I  sent  my  stafl"  along  the  line 
to  call  m  the  other  corps.  Within  a  few  minutes,  they 
retired  from  the  ravine,  and  from  thence  to  camp. 

Thus,  one  thousand  regulars,  and  an  equal  portion  of  I 
militia,  in  one  hour  of  close  action,  blasted  the  hopes 
of  the  enemy,  destroyed  the  fruhs  of  fifty  days  laboi', 
and  diminished  his  eflective  force  1000  men,  at  least.—  | 
I  am  si  a  loss  to  express  my  satisfaction  at  the  gallant 
conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  this  division,  whose , 
valor  has  shaae  superior  to  every  trial.     Gen.  Porter^  j 
in  his  official  report,  herein  enclosed,  has  very  proper- 
ly noticed  those  patriotic  citizens,  who  have  done  Sf)  { 
much  honor  to  themselves,  by  freely,  and  voluntarilj  j 
tendering  theis-  services,  at  a  dangerous  and  critical} 
period. 

As  the  scene  of  action  was  in  the  Wood,  in  advance  | 
of  the  position  t  had  chosen  for  directing  the  move 
raents  of  the  whole,  the  several  reports  of  the  command 
*nts  of  eorps  must  guide  me,  in  noticing  individuals. 


257 

the  rifle  corps  devolved,  upon  the  fall  of  thA  hrl!       J 

e  reports  generally,  .hat  .he  b,.very  and^tdZl 

Major  Brooks,  to  whom  much  credit  is  due  for  thp 

distmguished  manner  in  which  he  executed  the  oiVers 

nit    rf .'  '^^^^'  ^"  ^'^h  t«^"^«  «f  Lieuts  Goodel? 

ot  the  23d— particularly  of  the  latter.    Also  of  Canf 
Simms,  Lieutenants  Bissel,  Shore,  and  BrSot  of  theTf* 
infantry,  and  L«3ut.  Watts  of  the  dragooT 

sP.tp^"oftf  ""r  ^P«  "\'  ''^'*  ^"""^  command  of  the  re- 
set ve,  after  Gen.  R.pley  was  disabled,  bestows  ^reaf 
praise  upon  Major  Chambers,  of  the  1th  rS Lit  of 
riflemen,  attached  to  the  21st  infantrv    L  SIT 
Capt.  Bradford,  and  Lieut  Holl'^hhattaiJ^^^ 

My  staff  Col.  Snelling,  Col.  Gartnet  X'o/S' 
and  my  aid-de-camp.  Major  Austin,  and  Lieut  Arm 
strong  weije,  as  usual,  zealous,  intelligent  and  activt 
;;;l&tife'  ''''''  '"^^  -quirelof  them  to  ^^ 

Major  Hall  assistant  Inspector  Gen.  led  a  balallion 

Le^t  K-rhv'^Tf'*"^^^^'^  ^^^"  «"d  gallantry- 
Lieut    Kirby,   aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Ripley,  was  ex- 

J^^fu'^^u^  ^'■^^^'' ''^"^  ^'^^^^  ^e^-e  in  Gen.  Porter's 
hpfr  .7  ^^""^'y  '''^'  conspicuous,  and  no  officers  of 
their  grade  were  more  useful. 

Ihe  corps  of  artillery,  commanded  by  Major  Hind- 
man,  which  has  been  so  eminently  distinguished  through- 


n; 


258 

out  this  campaign,  had  no  opportunity  of  taking  a  part 
in  the  soitie.  The  25th  iniantry,  under  Col.  Jessup, 
was  stationed  in  fort  Erie,  to  bold  the  key  of  our  po- 
sition. 

Col.  Brady,  on  whose  firmness  and  good  conduct 
every  reliance  i  )uld  be  placed,  was  on  command  at 
Bufialoe,  with  the  remains  of  the  22d  infantry.  Lieut. 
Col.  M'Bea,  and  Li^ut  Col.  Wood,  of  the  corps  of  en- 
gineers, have  rendered  to  this  army  services  the  most 
important ;  I  must  seize  the  opportunity  of  again  men- 
tioning them,  particularly :  on  every  trying  occasion,  I 
have  reaped  much  benefit  from  their  sound  and  excel- 
lent advice  ;  no  two  officers  of  their  grade  could  have 
contributed  more  to  the  safety  and  honor  of  this  army. 
Wood,  brave,  generous,  and  enterprizing,  died,  as  he 
had  lived— without  a  feeling,  but  for  the  honor  of  his 
country  and  the  glory  of  her  arms  ; — his  name  and  ex- 
ample will  live,  to  guide  the  soldier  in  the  path  of  duty, 
so  long  as  true  heroism  is  held  in  estimation.  M'Rea 
lives  to  enjoy  the  approbation  of  every  virtuous  and 
generous  mind,  and  to  receive  the  reward  due  to  his 
services  and  high  military  talents. 

It  is  proper  here  to  notice,  that  although  but  one 
third  of  the  enemy's  force  was  on  duty  when  his  works 
were  carried,  the  whole  were  brought  into  action  while 
we  were  employed  in  destroying  his  cannon.  We  secur- 
ed prisoners  from  seven  of  his  regiments,  and  know  that 
the  6th  and  82d  suffered  severely  m  killed  and  wounded, 
yet  these  regiments  were  not  upon  duty. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Drummond  broke  up  his  camp,  during  the 
HJght  of  the  21  st,  and  retired  to  his  entrenchments,  be- 
hind the  Chippewa.  A  party  of  our  men  came  up  with 
the  rear  of  his  army,  at  Frenchman's  Creek ;  the  enemy 
destroyed  part  of  their  stores,  by  setting  fire  to  the  build- 
ings from  which  they  were  employed  m  conveying  them. 
We  found,  in  and  about  their  camp,  a  considerable  quanti- 
ty of  cannon  ball,  and  upwards  of  one  hundred  stand  of 
arms. 

I  send  you,  enclosed  herein,  a  return  of  our  loss.    The 


2^9 

return  of  prisoners  inclosed  does  not  include  the  strao- 
giers  that  came  in  after  the  action. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

„     ^     „,  JACOB  BROWN. 

Hon.  Sec,  War. 

I  -?«/»<>»■(</'*«  *«^'«rf.  ruounded,  and  missing,  in  the  above 
acfto«.--Killed,  79— -wounded,  216--missinff,  216— total 
511.  C.  K.  GAKDNERf^rf/ G^en. 

\  Nelurn  of  prisoners  taken  in  the  above  actim.—Tyfo 
Majors,  4  Captains,  4  Lieutenants,  1  Ensign,  1  Assistant- 
Surgeon,  4  staff  sergeants,  19  sergeants,  17  corporals,  1 

I  drummer,  332  rank  and  file—total  385. 

J.  SNELLING,  Tnsp.  Gen. 

DEFENCE  AT  FORT  BOWYER. 

Coptf  of  a  letter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

H.Q.  7th  M.  D.  Mobile,  Sept.  1 7,  /  8 1 4,  J  0,  ^.  M. 
S'R — I  have  but  a  moment  to  spare,  to  tell  you,  since 
the  departure  of  my  letter  this  morning,  a  messenger  has 
returned  from  fort  Bowyer  with  the  pleasing  intelligence, 
that  Major  Laurence  has  gallantly  repulsed  the  enemy 
with  great  loss,  blowing  up  a  vessel  of  36  guns.  Only  4 
of  our  men  were  killed,  and  5  wounded.  The  officer 
I  bringing  the  dispatches  will  be  here  in  an  hour,  when  I 
I  shall  be  enabled  to  give  you  the  particulars. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
Hon.  Sec.  tTar.  ANDREW  JACKSON. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  REINDEER. 

C<^  of  a  UUer  from  Capt.  Johnson  Blakely  to  the  Secretary  if 

the  Nawf. 

U.  S.  Sloop  Waftp,VOrienU  Hth  My,  1814. 

SIR— On  Tuesday  the  28th  ult.  bein^  then  in  lat.  48, 

38  north,  and  loo.  11»  15  west,  we  fell  m  with,  engaged? 


ji 


^*?'^***'SWBPtBIIB^I!^^S^ 


860 

and  after  an   action  of  nineteen  minutes,  captured  liis 
B.  M.  sloop  of  war,  the  Reindeer,  William  Manners,  Esq 
commander.     Annexed  are  the  minutes  of  our  proceed  i 
ings  on  that  day,  prior  to,  and  during  the  continuance  of 
the  action.  ' 

Where  all  did  their  duty,  and  each  appeared  anxious 
to  excel.  It  19  very  difficult  to  discriminate.  It  is,  how- 
ever,  only  rendering  them  their  merited  due,  when  it  is  i 
declared  of  Lieutenants  Reily  and  Bury,  1st  and  3d  of 
this  vessel,  and  whose  names  will  be  found  among  those 
of  the  conauerors  of  the  Gurriere  and  Java,  and  Mr.  Till- 
inghast,  2d  Lieutenant,  who  was  greatly  instrumental  in 
the  capture  of  the  Boxer ;  that  their  conduct  and  couraec 
on  this  occasion,  fulfilled  the  highest  expectation,  and  gra- 
tified every  wish.  Sailing-master  Carr  is  also  entitled  to 
great  credit,  for  the  zeal  and  ability  with  which  he  dis- 
charged his  various  duties.  ' 

The  cool  and  patient  conduct  of  every  officer  and  man  i 
while  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  shifting  gun  of  the  enemy' 
and  without  an  opportunity  of  returning  it,  could  only  be 
equalled  by  the  animation  and  ardor  exhibited,  when  ac 
tually  engaged,  or  by  the  promptitude  and  firmness  with 
which  every  attempt  of  the  enemy,  to  board,  was  met,  and 
successfully  repelled.  Such  conduct  may  be  seen,  but 
cannot  well  be  described.  ' 

The  Reindeer  mounted  sixteen  24  pr.  carronades  2 1 
long  6  or  9  prs.  and  a  shifting  12  pr.  carronade,  with  a 
conaplement  of  (on  board)   118  men.     Her  crew  were' 
said  to  be  the  pride  of  Plymouth.  | 

Our  loss,  in  men,  has  been  severe,  owing,  in  part,  to 
the  proximity  of  the  two  vessels,  and  the  extreme  smooth- 
ness ot  the  sea— but  chiefly  in  repelling  boarders  ;  that 
ol  the  enemy,  however,  is  infinitely  more  so,  as  will  be 
seen  by  the  list  of  killed  and  wounded,  on  both  sides.- 
hix  round  shot  struck  our  hull,  and  many  grape,  which 
did  not  penetrate  far.     The  foremast  received  a  24  pr. 
shot,  which  passed  through  its  centre,  and  our  rigging  and 
sails  were  a  good  deal  injured.     The  Reindeer  was  liter- 
ally cut  to  pieces,  m  a  line  with  her  ports;  her  upper] 
Works,  boats,  spare  spars,  were  one  complete  wreck.    A 


261 

breeze  springing  up,  next  afternoon,  her  foremast  went 
by  the  board. 

Having  received  all  the  prisoner*  on  board,  which, 
from  the  number  of  wounded,  occupied  much  time,  to- 
gether witli  their  baggage,  the  Reindeer  was,  on  the  even- 
ing oi  the  29th,  set  on  fire,  and  in  a  few  hours  blew  up. 
I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

jy      T.r  7         o      .r  J-  BLAKELY. 

Hon.  W.  Jones,  Sec.  Navy. 

MlJ\rUTES  OF  THE  AGTIOJ^, 

Belwtm  the  U.  S.  S.  Wasp,  and  his  B.  M.  S.  Reindeer, 
on  the  28/A  June,  1814. 
At  4,  A,  M.  light  breezes,  and  cloudy ;  at  a  quarter  after 
4,  disco"c.ed  two  sails,  two  points  betore  the  lee  beam- 
kept  awa_.  in  chase  ;  shortly  after,  discovered  one  sail,  on 
the  Weather  beam  ;  altered  the  course,  and  hauled  by,  io 
chase  of  the  sail  to  windward ;— at  8,  sail  to  windward 
bore  E.  N.  E.  wmd  very  light;  at  10,  the  stranger  sail, 
bearing  E.  by  N.  hoisted  an  English  ensign  and  pendant, 
and  displayed  a  signal  at  the  main,  (blue  and  yellow  dia- 
gonally ;)— at  half  oast  12,  the  enemy  showed  a  blue  and 
white  flag,  diagonally,  at  the  fore,  and  fired  a  gun— 1  h. 
15  minutes,  called  all  hands  to  (juarters,  and  prepared  for 
action— 1  h.  22  minutes,  believing  we  could  weather  the 
enemy,  tacked  ship,  and  stood  for  him— 1  h.  50  minutes, 
the  enemy  tacketl  ship,  and  stood  from  us— 1  h.  56  min- 
utes, hoisted  our  colors,  and  fired  a  gun  to  windward 
which  was  answered  by  the  enemy,  with  another  to  wind- 
ward—2  h.  20  minutes,  the  enemy  still  standing  from  us 
—set  the  royals— 2  h.  25  minutes,  set  the  flying  jib— 2  h 
29  minutes,  set  the  upper  stay-sails.     Finding  the  enemy 
did  not  get  sufficiently  on  the  beam,  to  enable  us  to  brini 
our  guns  to  bear,  put  the  helm  a-lee,  and,  at  26  minutes 
after  3,  commenced  the  action,  with  the  after  carronade, 
on  the  starboard  side,  and  fired  in  succession— 3  h.  40 
minutes,  the  enemy  having  his  larboard  bow  in  contact 
with  our  larboard  quarter,  endeavored  to  board  us ;  but 
was  repulsed  in  every  attempt— at  3  h.  44  minutes,  orders 


t  !• 


ir.i.i 


tl:  ^ 


\iv" 


!KWf«W«5?t(l*»nl 


262 

were  given  to  board  in  turn,  which  were  promptly  exe- 
cuted, when  all  resistance  immediately  ceased,  and,  at  3  fa. 
45  minutes,  the  enemy  hauled  down  his  flag.  * 

J.  BLAKELY. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded^  on  hoard  the  U.  S.  iV. 
Wasp,  in  the  above  action. — Killed,  5— wounded,  21-^ 
total,  26. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded,  on  hoard  H.  B.  M.  S^ 
Reindeer,  in  the  above  action. — Killed,  25 — wounded,  42 
—total,  67. 

J.  BLAKELY. 


Ii»>' 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  BOWYER. 

f^^ofi  letter  from  Ma;.  Oen.  Jackson,  to  the  Secretary  o/War,  daltd 
,  H.  Q.  7th  M.  D.  Mobile,  Sept.  1 7, 1 8 1 4. 

SIR — ^With  lively  emotions  of  satisfaction  I  communi- 
cate, that  success  has  crowned  the  gallant  efforts  of  our 
brave  soldiers,  in  resisting  and  repulsing  a  combined  Bri- 
tish naval  and  land  force,  which,  on  the  15th  inst.  attack- 
ed fort  Bowyer,  on  the  Point  of  Mobile. 

I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  official  report  of  Major  William 
Laurence,  of  the  2d  infantry,  who  commanded.     In  addi- 
tion to  the  particulars  communicated  in  his  letter,  I. have 
learnt  that  the  ship,  which  was  destroyed,  was  the  Her- 
mes, of  from  24  to  28  guns,  Captain  the  hon.  William  H. 
Percy,  senior  officer  in  the  gulf  of  Mexico ;  and  the  brig, 
80  considerably  damaged,  is  the  Sophie,  18  guns.  Captain 
Lockyer.     The  other  ship  was  the  Carron,  of  from  24  to 
28  guns,  Capt.  Spencer,  son  of  Earl  Spencer — the  other 
brig's  name  unknown.     On  board  of  the  Carron,  85  men 
were  killed  and  wounded,  among  whom  was  Col.  Nicoll, 
of  the  royal  marines,  who  lost  an  eye,  by  a  splinter.   The 
land  force  consisted  of  110  marines,  and  200  Creek  In- 
dians, under  the  command  of  Capt.  Woodbine,  of  marines, 
and  about  20  artillerists,  with  one  four  and  a  half  inch 
howitzer,  from  which  they  discharged  shells  and  91b.  shot. 


263 

Thev  re-embarked  the  piece,  and  retreated,  by  land,  to- 
wards Pensacola,  whence  they  came. 

In  fZ  r^'^.TT"?  '^PO'^of  the  16th,  there  were  present 
in  the  fort,  fit  for  duty,  officers  and  men,  158.  The  result 
ol  this  engagement  has  stamped  a  character  on  the  war 
m  this  quarter,  highly  favorable  to  the  American  arms- 
it  is  an  event,  from  which  may  be  drawn  the  most  favora- 
ble augury. 

.  An  achievement  so  glorious  in  itself,  and  so  important 
in  Its  consequences,  should  be  appreciated  by  the  govern- 
ment;  and  those  concerned  are  entitled  to,  and  will 
doubtless  receive,  the  most  gratifying  evidence  of  the  ap- 
probation of  their  countrymen.  ^ 
In  the  words  of  Major  Laurpnce,  «  where  all  behaved 
well.  It  IS  unnecessary  to  discriminate ;"  but  all  beinc  me- 
ritorious, I  beg  leave  to  annex  the  names  of  the  officers 
who  were  engaged  and  present,  and  hope  they  will,  indi- 
vidually, be  deemed  worthy  of  distinction  : 

rw^'^W^'l''^"'r  ^u*"""^"^,^;   2d   infantry,   commanding; 
Capt.  Walsh,  of  the  artillery;    Captains  Chamberlafn 
Brownlow,  and  Bradley,  of  the  2d  infantry;  Capt  Sands 
dep  com.  of  ordnance  ;  Lieuts.  Villard,  Sturffes,V:Jonwav' 
H.  Sanders,  T.  R.  Sanders,  Brooks,  Davis,  and  C.  Saun- 
ders, all  of  the  2d  infantry. 

I  am  confident  that  your  own  feelings  will  lead  you  to 
participate  in  my  wishes,  on  this  subject— permit  me  to 
suggest  the  propriety  and  justice  of  allowing  to  this  ffal- 
lant  band  the  value  of  the  vessel  destroyed  by  them. 
I  am,  &c. 

H     o        ANDREW  JACKSON,  iltfo/.  Ge«.  Co«,^. 
Hon  See.  of  War,  '^ 


I 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  PIRATES. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Commodore  Patterson,  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Navy,  dated  •' 

New-OrleanSy  lOth  Oct.  1814. 

I     ^^^""',h*ve  very  great  satisfaction  in  reporting  to 

you,  that  the  contemplated  expedition  against  the  pirate-s 


iM4 

so  long,  and  strongly  established  among  the  western 
islands  and  waters  of  this  state,  ol"  which  f  had  the  honor 
to  inform  you,  by  my  letter  of  the  lOth  ult.  has  terminated 
in  the  capture  and  destruction  of  all  their  vessels  in  port- 
their  establishments  on  the  island  of  Grand  1  erre,  Grand- 
Isle,  and  Cheniere  Caminada;  and  the  dispersion  of  the 
band  themselves.  The  successful  issue  of  this  attack 
upon  them,  will,  I  trust,  prevent  their  ever  coilecting 
again,  in  sufficient  force  to  injure  the  commerce  of  this 
state. 

The  force  of  the  pirates  was  twenty  pieces  of  cannon, 
mounted,  of  different  calibres,  and,  as  I  have  learnt  since 
my  arrival,  from  800  to  1000  men,  of  all  nations  and  colors. 

1  have  brought  with  me,  to  this  city,  six  fine  schoonersj 
and  one  felucca,  crurzers  and  prizes  of  the  pirates—and 
one  btrmed  schooner,  under  Carthagenian  colors,  found  in 
company,  and  ready  to  oppose  the  force  under  my  com- 
mand. 

Herewith  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  u  detailed  ac- 
count of  this  expedition,  which  I  hope  will  prove  satisfac- 
tory to  the  department ;  as  also  a  copy  oi  a  letter  fromi 
Lafitte,  the  Cfiief  of  the  pirntes,  to  Capt.  Lockyer,  of 
his  B.  M.  brig  Suphin,  which  forms  the  conclusion  of  a 
correspondence  bef  ween  the  English  commanders  in  thei 
gulf  of  Mexico  and  the  Floridas,  and  the  pirates,  copies  of  I 
which  his  excellency  Gov.  Claiborne  informs  me,  he  trans- f 
mitted  to  the  department  of  state.     This  correspondence 
shows  the  importance  of  the  t  xpedition,  and  the  impor- 
tant species  of  force  we  have  prevented  the  enemy's  re- 
ceiving, by  their  proposed  alliance  with  the  pirates,  and 
added  to  our  own. 

I  have  the  honos,  &c. 

DANl.  T.  PATTERSON. 
Hon.  W.  Jones. 


AFFAIR  NEAR  CHIPPEWA. 

On  th/^  18th  October,  1814,  Gen.  Izard  had  directed] 
Gen.  Bi&bci  to  proceed  against  the  enemy  near  Chippewa,] 


265 

which  he  did,  with  lOno  men-^mv^  iU 
strayed  near  200  bushels  of^™L*^  *"'""^'  «"^  ^^^ 
General  Bissel  reports  ha  owS?'  '  ^'?T"^  ^^  *^'«"»-- 
wounded  and  ^isC^t^t^aUT  '"  ''^^^*^  ^^  '2- 

J';  tr  7.it:nf  "'"•'  ^"  ^^«  «^'^'  -'^o  --  bu. 


FtJHTHER  ACCOUNT. 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 
H.  Q.  of  the  Pfopthern  Army. 
Th.     A-        '■  '''  "*"  ''°'*  ^"*'  October  23d.  1814 

place  „„  J  19.hX  leen  :  d^tCnfr  J'^if'?  ""''' 
and  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy  *""  ''"S'"''. 

lish  troops.    He  «.aXlfr„ra"S''  K^'  *"" 
|ne  of  the  1 8  th,  with  parts  of  thf  5^h  i  dH    .V°?  ""^  ""'"'- 
.nrantrjr,  a  small  party  rfZ«'.       i  '*""' ""''  '«* 
riflemen,  the  „h.l?,  j^  Ir  Vr'drrvL"  hT^""/  "^ 
a  picket,  of  which  they  made   ihT  ^      ^  r    **  ""«■" 
frfsoner,  they  encampei^fo"  ,4  Ltirr'-^'-S  officer 
Lyon's  Creet  two  lighl- nfanirv  .*    '  ^.""""S  "-evond 
Dorman.  5lh,  and  liu     Ho^l  S-'f"'  """'"Cant 
riflemen,  under  Capt.  I"ine°7  picket  'nt,^^^^^^    *« 
road,  commanded  by  Lieut  G,,S1.  "    Chippewa 

iwo  couipanies  of  feWrv  ^"7'  .""  "'"'^^'"1  bj 
beaten  back,  with  loss  T7,h?  •'''■>';  "•"<=''  '"e™ 
detachment  ^IL  atirked  b^^  a  ekX^if  j^f^""'-  ""' 
not  less  than  1200  stroDi  Th!  r  i,??  J*^  ** '"^inr. 
Cap.  Dorman,  and  ir^V  J^^,,'*  ;;K».;7.  undj; 
8re  of  tile  enemy,  for  fifteen  mii,  ,.«V  j  •  .  ?  "''"''« 
|4e  5th  and  .4th  were  formed-  ieA,l"™S  '"\"='' '™' 

^.coi.«„ckney,7Sfi''M?rfcrrt^ 

■  Ju   I 


u 


!i 


mi 


i     ! 


266 

14tli,  ^vlio  greatly  distinguished  himseli',  by  the  ofHcer- 
like  style  in  which  he  conducted  his  battalion.  The  ene- 
my were  compelled  to  a  precipitate  retreat,  and  hid  them- 
selvcSf  once  more,  behind  their  fortifications. 

Bri^.  Gen.  Bissell  particularly  mentions  the  skill  and 
intrepidity  of  Col.  Snclnng,  Inspector^eneral,  Col.  Pinck- 
ney,  commanding  the  5th  regiment,  Major  Barnard,  14th 
infantry.  Major  Barker,  45th  infantry,  acting  with  the  5th, 
Capt.  Dorman,  Capt.  Allison,  (whose  horse  was  shot  un- 
der him,)  and  Brigade-Major,  Lieut.  Prestman,  of  the 
5th.  Lieutenant  Anspaugh,  of  dragoons,  was  conspicu- 
ous, by  his  alertness  in  communicating  the  Brigadier-Ge- 
neral's orders,  during  the  action.  It  is  with  the  highest 
satisfaction,  that  the  commanding  General  tenders,  to  the 
brave  officers  and  troops,  of  the  2d  brigade  of  the  right 
division,  his  thanks,  for  their  good  conauct  on  this  occa- 
sion. The  firmness  of  the  15th  and  16th  regiments,  com- 
manded by  Col.  Pierce,  and  who  were  posted  as  a  reserve, 
proved,  that  had  the  resistance  of  tne  enemy  afforded 
them  an  opportunity  of  going  into  action,  they  would  have 
emulated  the  valor  of  the  commanders  of  the  5th  and  14th. 
A  number  of  prisoners  were  taken,  among  whom  a  picket 
of  dragoons,  with  their  horses ;  a  large  quantity  of  grain 
also  feu  into  our  hands.  The  Brigadier,  after  completing 
the  orders  be  had  received,  and  burying  the  few  of  our 
brave  soldiers  who  fell  in  the  action,  ana  the  dead  of  the 
enemyt  which  were  left  on  the  ground  by  the  latter,  re- 
turned to  Black  Creek.  To  the  cool,  and  intrepid  con- 
duct of  Brig.  Gen.  Bissell,  the  General  offers  the  praise 
he  has  so  justly  entitled  himself  to. 
By  order  of  Mm.  Oen.  Ixardt 

C.  K.  GARDNER,  A^.  Gen.  N.  Army. 


THE  WASP'S  CRUISE. 

Copy  of  a  UtUr  from  Johnson  Blakeltf,  Esq,  Commander  ofUuU.S. 
Shop  of  War  Wasp,  to  the  Secretary  oftiu  Nmy,  iaUd 

U.  S.  Sloop  Wasp, at  Sea,  llih  Sept.  1814. 

SIR — After  a  protracted,  and  tedious  stay  at  L'Orient, 

I  had,  at  last,  the  pleasure  of  leaving  that  place,  on  Satur- 


267 

da;  the  27lh  August.     On  the  30th,  captured  the  British 
bng  Let  .ce-and  Slat  Augunt  the  BrSish  brig  Bon  Ac" 
cord.     On  the  morning  of  the  1st  September,  liscovered 
7rZ7  Vrl'  to  i-«ward,  in  charge  of  Ihe  Armada 
74,  and  a  bomb  8h,p-.8tood  for  them,\nd  succeeded  in 
cuttmg  out  the  Bntish  brig  Ma,^,  laden  with  brass  can- 
non,  taken  from  the  Spaniards;  iron  cannon,  and  military 
fr?;*^"'  Gibraltar  to  England-i^moved  the  prison- 
ers,  set  her  on  fire,  and  endeavored  to  capture  another  of 
the  convov,  but  was  chased  off  by  the  Amada.     On  the 
evenmg  of  the  same  day,  at  half  past  6,  while  going  free, 
discovered  4  vessels,  nearlv  at  the  same  time;  two  on 
he  starboard,  and  two  on  the  larboard  bow-hauled  up 
or  the  one  most  on  the  starboard  bow,  being  the  farthest 
to  wmdward-at  7,  the  chase  (a  brig)  commenced  making 
signals,  with  flags,  which  could  not  be  distinguished  fo? 
wantofhght;  and  soon  after,  made  various  ones,  with 
lanterns,  rockets,  and  guns— at  26  minutes  after  9,  hav- 
ing the  chase  under  our  lee  bow,  the  12  pr.  carronade 
was  directed  to  be  fired  into  him,  which  he  returned :  ran 
under  his  lee,  to  prevent  his  escaping,  and,  at  29  minutes 
past  9,  commenced  the  action— at  10  o'clock,  believinc 
the  enemy  to  be  silenced,  orders  were  given  to  cease  fir- 
ing, when  I  hailed,  and  asked  if  he  hacTsurrendered  ;  no 
answer  being  given  to  this,  and  his  fire  having  recom- 
menced, it  was  again  returned- at  12  minutes  after  10 
the  enemy  havmg  suffered  greatly,  and  having  made  nJ 
return  to  our  two  last  broadTsides,  I  hailed  bin?  a  second 
time,  to  know  if  he  had  surrendered,  when  he  answered 
in  the  affirmative.     The  guns  were  then  ordered  to  be  se- 
cured, and  the  boats  lowered  down,  to  take  possession— 
in  the  act  o    lowering  the  boat,  a  second  brig  was  disco- 
vered, a  httle  distance  astern,  and  standing  for  us— sent 
the  crew  to  their  quarters,  prepared  every  thing  for  ano- 
ther action,  and  awaited  his  coming  up ;— at  36  minutes 
after  10,  discovered  two  more  sail  standing  for  us :  I  now 
felt  myself  compelled  to  forego  the  satisfaction  of  destroy, 
ing  the  prize— our  braces  having  been  cut  away,  we  kept 
offthe  wind  until  others  could  be  rove,  and  with  theTex- 
pectation  of  drawing  the  second  brig  from  his  companions; 


268 


I't 


r-if 

Vn 


but,  in  this  last,  we  were  disappointed:  the  second  brig 
continued  to  approach  us,  until  she  came  close  to  ou? 
stern,  when  she  hauled  by  the  wind,  fired  her  broadside 
(which  cut  our  rig^ng  and  sails  considerably,  and  shot 
awaj^  our  lower  main  cross-trees,)  and  re-traced  her  steps 
to  join  her  consorts.  When  we  were  necessitated  to  aban- 
don  the  prize,  she  appeared,  in  every  respect,  a  total 
wreck;  he  continued,  some  time,  firing  guns  of  distress 
until,  probably,  delivered  by  the  two  last  vessels  who 
made  tbeir  appearancs.  The  second  brig  could  have  en- 
gaged us,  if  he  had  thought  proper,  as  he  neared  us  fast; 
bul  contented  himself  with  firing  a  broadside,  and  immedi- 
ately returned  to  liis  companions. 

It  is  with  real  satisfaction  I  have  again  the  pleasure  of 
bearing  testimony  to  the  merits  of  Lieutenants  Reily, 
Tilhnghast,  Baury,  and  sailing-master  Carr ;  and  to  the 
good  conduct  of  every  officer  and  man  on  board  the  Wasp, 
Their  divisions  and  departments  were  attended  and  sup^ 
plied,  with  the  utmost  regularity  and  abundance ;  which, 
with  the  good  order  maintained,  together  with  the  vivaci- 
ty and  precision  of  their  fire,  reflects  on  them  the  greatest 
credit.  Our  loss  is  two  killed,  and  one  slightly  wounded 
with  a  wad.  The  hull  received  four  round  shot,  and  the 
foremast  many  grape  shot ;  our  ringing  and  sails  suffered 
a  great  deal—every  damage  has  been  repaired,  the  day 
after,  with  the  exception  ofour  sails. 

Of  the  vessel  with  whom  we  were  engaged,  nothing 
ttositive  can  be  said,  with  regard  to  her  name  or  force.* 
While  hailing  him,  previous  to  his  being  fired  into,  it  was 
blowing  fresh,  (10  knots,)  and  the  name  was  not  distinct- 
ly heard.  Of  her  force,  the  4  shot  which  struck  us  aie 
all  32lbs.  m  weight,  being  one  and  three  quarter  lbs.  hea- 
vier  than  any  belonging  to  this  vessel ;  from  this  circum- 
stance, the  number  of  men  in  her  tops,  her  general  appear- 
ance, and  great  length,  she  is  believed  to  be  one  of  the 
largest  brigs  in  the  British  navy. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  J.  BLAKELY. 

Hon.  bee.  Navy. 

the  AVON,  of  18  guns-ud  that  she  sunk  soon  after  Oit  Wasp  left  her. 


269 

PRIVATEER  GENERAL  ARMSTKONG. 

Fayal.mOct.  1814. 

With  infinite  regret,  I  am  constrained  to  say,  it  has  even- 
tually  .alien  to  my  lot  to  state  to  you  the  loss,  and  total 
destruction  of  the  private  armed  brig,  General  A  rmstronff 
late  under  my  command.  ® 

We  sailed  from  Sandy  Hook,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th 
ult.and,  about  midnight,  fell  in  close  aboard  of  a  razee 
and  ship  of  the  line.  They  pursued  till  next  day  noon* 
when  they  thought  proper  to  give  over  chase.  On  the 
nth,  after  a  nine  hours  chase,  boarded  the  private  armed 
schr.  Perry,  John  Colman,  6  days  from  Philadelphia :  had 
thrown  over  all  his  guns.  On  the  following  day,  feU  in 
with  an  enemy's  gun  brig ;  exchanged  a  few  shots  with, 
and  left  him.    On  the  24  th,  boarded  a  Spanish  briff  and 

n  T^o'^fu'^rl'^*'^*"^^'^  "'^'P'  «"  ^'•^°>  the  Havanna. 
On  the  26th,  following,  came  too  in  Fayal  Roads,  for  the 

purpose  of  filling  water  J  called  on  the  American  Consul 
who  very  politely  ordered  our  water  immediately  sent  o,T 
it  being  our  intention  to  proceed  to  sea,  early  the  next 
day.    At  5,  P.  M.  I  went  on  board,  the  Consul,  and  some 
other  gentlemen,  in  company.     I  asked  some  questions 
conceminff  enemy's  cruisers,  and  was  told  there  had  been 
none,  at  these  islands,  for  several  weeks;  when  about 
dusk,  while  we  were  conversing,  the  British  brig  Carna- 
tion suddenly  hove  m  sight,  close  under  the  N?  E.  head 
of  the  harbor,  within  gun-shot,  when  first  discovered.— 
1  he  idea  of  gretting  under  way  was  instantly  suggested  • 
but  finding  the  enemy's  brig  had  the  advantage  of  a1)reeze' 
and  but  httle  wind  with  us,  it  was  thought  doubtful  if  we' 
should  be  able  to  get  to  sea  without  hazarding  an  action 
I  questioned  the  Consul,  to  know  if,  in  his  opinion,  the 
enemy  would  regard  the  neutrality  of  the  port }  He  gave 
me  to  understand,  I  might  make  myself  perfectly  easy  • 
assurine  me,  at  the  same  time,  they  would  never  molest 
us,  while  at  anchor.    But  no  sooner  did  the  enemy's  brio- 
understand,  from  the  pilot-boat,  who  we  were,  when  she 
immediately  hauled  close  in,  and  let  go  her  anchor,  within 
pistol-shot  of  us.     At  the  same  moment,  the  Plantagenet 


l»  u 


m  i 


r  \  f  ■ 


i , 


^1' 

'  J' 


270 

and  frigate  Rota,  hove  in  sight,  to  whom  the  Carnation 
instantly  made  signal,  and  a  constant  interchange  took 
place  for  some  time.     The  resuh  was,  the  CarnaSon  pro- 
ceeded  to  throw  out  all  her  boats;    dispatched  ooe^ on 
board  the  Commodore,  and  appeared,  otherwise,  to  be 
making  unusual  exertions.     From  these  circumstances  J 
began  to  suspect  their  real  intentions.     The  moon  w'a 
near  Its  full  which  enabled  us  to  observe  them  veryli! 
nutely ;  and  I  now  determined  to  haul  in,  nearer  the  slore 
Accordingly,  after  clearing  for  action,  we  got  under  way' 
and  began  to  sweep  i„.     fhe  moment  thif  was  observed 
by  the  enemy  s  bng,  she  mstantly  cut  her  cable,  made  sail 
and  dispatched  four  boats  in  pursuit  of  us.     Being  now 
about  8,  P.  M.  as  soon  as  we  saw  the  boats  approaclunff 
we  let  go  our  anchor,  got  springs  on  our  cabfef  and  pre- 
pared to  receive  them.    I  hailed  them  repeatedly,  as  thev 
drew  near,  but  they  foltno  indination  to  reply.  ^  Sure  of 
their  game,  they  only  pulled  up  with  the  greater  speed. 
I  observed  the  boats  were  well  manned,  and,  apparently 
as  well  armed ;  and,  as  soon  as  they  had  cleverly  got  aloril' 
side,  we  opened  our  fire,  which  was  as  soon  returned- 
but,  meeting  with  rather  a  warmer  reception  than  they' 
had  probably  been  aware  of,  they  veiy  soon  cried  outfoV 
quarters,  and  hauled  off.     In  this  skirmish  I  had  one  man 
killed,  and  my  1st  Lieutenant  wounded.     The  enemy's 
wounde"d*  upwards  of  twenty,    killed  and 

They  had  now  repaired  to  their  ships,  to  prepare  for  a 
more  formidable  attack.  We,  in  the  interim,  W^ng  taken 
the  hint,  prepared  to  haul  close  into  the  beach,  where  we 
moored  hea^  and  stern,  within  half  pistol-shot  of  the  cas- 

^t'nni  r  T'-  "^^  *^^'"  preparecf,  in  the  best  possible 
manner,  for  their  second  reception.  About  0,  P  M  we 
observed  the  enemy's  brig  towing  in  a  large  fleet  of  boats 
--Aey  soon  after  feft  the  brig,  and  took  their  station  in 
three  divisions,  under  covert  of  a  small  reef  of  rocks, 
within  about  musquet-shot  of  us.  Here  they  continued 
manoeuverin^  for  some  time  the  trig  still  keeping  under 
*ray  to  lu^t  with  the  boats,  should  we  at  anytime  attempt 
our  escape.  ^  ^ 


271 

The  shores  were  lined  with  the  inhabitants,  waiting  the 
expected  attack;  and,  from  the  brightness  of  the  moon, 
they  had  a  most  favorable  view  of  the  scene.  The  Go- 
vernor, with  most  of  the  first  people  of  the  place,  stood  by, 
and  saw  the  whole  affair.  . 

At  length,  about  midnight,  we  observed  the  boats  in 
motion,  (our  crew  having  laid  at  their  quarters  during  the 
whole  of  this  interval.)     They  came  on,  in  one  direct  line, 
keeping  in  close  order  ,♦  and  we  plainly  counted  twelve 
boat  1.    As  soon  as  they  came  within  proper  distance,  we 
opened  our  fire,  which  was  warmly  returned  from  the  ene- 
my's carronadcs  and  small  arms.     The  discharge  from 
our  long  Tom  rather  staggered  them ;  but  soon  reconnoi- 
tering,  they  gave  three  cheers,  and  came  on  most  spi- 
ritedly.   In  a  moment,  they  succeeded  in  gaining  our 
bow  and  starboard  quarter,  and  the  word  was  loard.— 
Our  great  guns  now  becoming  useless,  we  attacked 
them  sword  in  hand,  together  with  our  pikes,  pistols 
and  musguetry,  from  which  our  lads  poured  on  then! 
a  most  destructive  fire.    The  enemy  made  frequent 
and  repeated  attempts  to  gain  our  decks,  but  were  re- 
pulsed at  all  times,  and  at  all  points,  with  the  greatest 
slaughter.— About  the  middle  of  the  action,  I  received 
intelligence  of  the  death  of  my  second  Lieutenant ;  and 
soon  after,  of  the  third  Lieut,  being  badly  wounded  :~ 
from  this,  and  other  causes,  I  found  our  fire  had  much 
slackened  on  the  forecastle ;  and,  fearful  of  the  event 
I  instantly  rallied  the  whole  of  our  after  division,  who 
had  been  bravely  defending,  and  now  had  succeeded 
in  beating  the  boats  off  the  quarters— they  gave  a 
shout,  rushed  forward,  opened  a  fresh  fire,  and  soon 
after  decided  the  conflict— which  terminated  in  the  to- 
tal defeat  of  the  enemy,  and  the  loss  of  many  of  their 
boats ;  two  of  which,  belonging  to  the  Rota,  we  took 
possession  of,  literally  loaded  with  their  own  dead. 
Seventeen  Oidy  escaped,  from  them  both,  who  had 
swam  to  the  shore.    In  another  boat,  under  our  quar- 
ter, commanded  by  one  of  the  Lieutenants  of  the  Plan- 
tagenet,  all  were  killed,  saving  four :  this  I  have  from 


N 


ni^lgggSS*-^**ia^Si 


272 

the  Lieutenant  himself,  who  further  told  me  that  he 
jumped  overboard,  tp  save  his  own  lifp. 

The  duration  of  this  action  was  about  40  minutes  - 
pur  decks  wei*  now  found  in  much  confusion,  our 
lone  Tom  dismounted,  and  several  of  our  carriaees 
broken;  many  of  our  crew  having  left  the  vessel,  and 
others  disabled.  Under  these  circumstances,  how;ver 
we  succeeded  in  getting  long  Tom  in  his  birth,  and  the 
decks  cleared   ,n  some  sort,  for  a  fresh  action,  should 

^V'T'I  ^"^''''  J*'  ^«^'"'  ^^""'^  day-light.    About 
3.  A.  M.  I  received  a  message  from  the  American  Con- 
sul, requesting  to  see  me  on  shore ;  where  he  informed 
me  the  Governor  had  sent  a  note  to  Captain  Lloyd 
begging  bim  to  desist  from  further  hostilities.    To 
which  Captain  Lloyd  sent,  for  answer,  that  he  was  now 
determined  to  have  the  privateer,  at  the  risk  of  knock- 
ing down  the  whole  town;  and  that  if  the  Governor 
suffered  the  Americans  to  injure  the  privateer,  in  any 
manner  he  should  consider  the  place  Sn  enemy  Wt 
and  treat  it  accordingly.    Finding  this  to  be  the  case 
I  considered  all  hope.,  of  saving  our  vessel,  to  beat  an 
end.    I  therefore  went  on  board,  and  ordered  all  our 
wounded,  and  dead  to  be  taken  on  shore,  and  the  cr^w 

Jh-  'TJ*"^'"  !P'^  ^  ^'  ^^'^  «^  possible-Soon  afteT- 
this.  It  became  day-light,  when  the  enemy's  brig  stood 
close  in.  and  commenced  a  heavy  fire  on  us,  with  all 
her  force.  After  several  broad-sides,  she  hauled  off 
having  received  a  shot  in  her  hull,  her  rigging  much 
cut,  and  her  foretopmast  wounded  ;  (of  th¥  ll^sTn 
formed  by  tne  British  Consul.)    She  soon  aftercame 

'"^^^^'^^2"^"''^**'^^  *^^^^^  ^^  *h^  privateer.  I  then 
ordered  the  Armstrong  to  be  scuttled,  to  prevent  the 
enemy  from  getimg  her  off.  She  was  soon  after  blrdt 
ed  by  the  enemy's  boats,  and  set  on  fire,  whichToon 
completed  her  destruction. 

They  h^ve  destroyed  a  number  of  houses  in  the 
town,  and  wounded  some  of  the  inhabitants. 

By  what  I  have  been  able  to  learn  from  the  IMHi 

about  40gefficerB  and  men  in  the  Isst  attack  by  fk 


.!*, 


273 

boats,  of  which  120  were  killed,  and  about  130  wound- 
ed—Captain  Lloyd,  I  am  told  by  the  British  (  onsul, 
is  badly  wounded  in  the  leg ;  a  jury  of  surgeons  liad 
been  held,  who  gave  as  their  opinion,  that  amputdtion 
would  be  necessary  to  insure  his  life.  It  is  said,  how- 
ever, that  the  wound  was  occasioned  by  an  ox  Irewhn^ 
on  him. —  I'he  fleet  has  remained  here  about  a  week, 
during  which  they  have  been  principally  employed 
in  burying  their  dead,  and  taking  care  of  their  wounded 

Three  days  after  the  action,  they  were  joined  by  the 
ship  Thais  and  brig  Calypso,  (two  sloops  of  war)  who 
were  immediately  taken  into  requisition,  by  Captain 
Lloyd,  to  take  home  the  wounded  men  The  Calypso 
sailed  for  England,  with  part  of  the  wounded,  on  the 
2d  instant—among  whom,  the  first  Lieut,  of  the  Planta- 
genet.  The  Thais  sails  this  evening,  with  Jhe  remain- 
der. Capt.  Lloyd's  fleet  sailed  to  day,  supposed  for  the 
West-Indies. 

The  loss  on  our  part,  I  am  happy  to  sav,  is  compa- 
ratively trifling;  two  killed  and  seven  wounded.  VV'ilh 
regard  to  my  officers  in  general,  I  feel  the  greatest  sa- 
tisfaction in  sa>ingthey,  one  and  all,  fought  with  the 
most  determined  bravery,  and  to  whom  I  feel  highly 
indebted  for  their  officer-like  conduct,  during  the  short 
period  we  were  together ;  their  exertions  and  bravery 
deserved  a  better  fate. 

1  here  insert,  for  your  inspection,  a  list  of  the  killed 
and  wounded : — 

Kiiled^Uv.  Alexander  0.  Williams.  2d  Lieut,  and 
one  seaman. 

f^'oMnrfcrf— Frederick  A.Worth,  1st  Lieut.  Robert 
Johnson,  3d  Lieut.  Bazilla  Hammond,  duarter- master, 
and  4  seamen. 

It  gives  me  much  pleasure  tc  announce  to  you,  that 
our  wounded  are  all  in  "a  fair  way  of  recovery,  through 
the  unremitted  care  and  attention  of  our  worthy  sur- 
geon. 

Mr.  Dabney,  our  Consul,  is  a  gentleman,  professing 
^very  feeling  of  humanity,  and  to  whom  the  utmost 

M  m 


si  I 


•  '''*mmm»*'mf»-0'»»mimnim>:iig^i 


«■, 


274 


gratitude  is  due,  from  us,  for  his  great  care  of  the  airk 
and  wounded,  and  his  polite  attention  to  my  officers 
and  myself.  ' 

Mr.*Williams  was  a  most  deserving  and  promisintr 
olliier.  His  country,  in  him,  has  lost  one  of  its  bright- 
est  ornaments  ;  and  his  death  must  be  sadly  lamented 
by  all  who  knew  his  worth. 

Accompanied  with  this,  you  will  find  a  copv  of  mv 
Irotest,  together  with  copies  of  letters,  written  by  Mr 
Dabney,  lo  the  Governor  of  Fayal,  our  Minister  at 
Kio  Janeiro,  and  our  Secretary  of  State.  These  let- 
ters will  develope,  more  fully,  the  circumstances  of 
this  unfortunate  affair. 

VVe  expect  to  sail  to-morrow,  in  a  Portuguese  briff 
for  Ameha-Island,  who  takes  the  whole  of  our  crew- 
till  when,  I  remain,  gentlemen,  your  very  obedient 
humble  servant,  *^ 

SAMUEL  C.  REID. 


W.l 


Wh 


FURTHER  ACCOUNT, 

From  an  English  gentleman,  at  Fayah  to  William 

Cobbett,Esq. 

W7/7-       ^7,         ^  Fatal,  October  15, 1814. 

William  Cohbetty  Esq. 

SIR— The  American  schooner  privateer  General 
Armstrong,  of  New- York,  Captain  Samuel  C.  Reid  o 
seven  guns,  and  ninety  men,  entered  here  on  the  26th 
nl'n rt"- °"*  '^  ^^^'  f^«"^  ^hat  place,  for  the  pur- 

Sn  fhf  i?*"*''"'"^  '"'*?'••  ^^^  C«P*«i"'  seeing  notfw 
on  the  horizon,  was  induced  to  anchor.  Bi fore  hf 
elapse  of  niany  hours,  his  majesty's  brig  Ca?nat  on 
tyS  Ptnrirf  "r.?^^--    Aboutsil  Ws  rn^e" 

came  in^ni  «nT^*^  °,^  ^^  ^rS?''  '"^  ^^^  ^"ta  frigate, 
came  in  and  anchored  also.    The  Captain  of  the  nriva- 

teer,  and  h,s  friends,  consulted  the  first  ai^or  ties  kre 

?y  s"  ure'  rnTtt'/h-^'^^  all  considered  h^'pS 
Jy  secure,  and  that  his  majesty's  officers  were  too  well 


275 

acauainted  with  the  respect  due  to  a  neutral  port  to 
molest  her.    But,  to  the  great  surprize  of  every  one, 
about  nine  in  the  evening,  four  boats  were  dispatched, 
armed  and  manned  from  his  majesty's  ships,  for  the 
purpose  of  cutting  lier  out.     It  being  about  full  of 
moon,  the  night  perfectly  clear  and  calm,  we  could  see 
every  movement  made.     The  boats  approached  wiih 
rapidity  towards  her,  when,  it  appears,  the  Captain  of 
the  privateer  hailed  them,  and  told  them  to  keep  offl 
several  times.     They,  notwithstanding,  pushed  on;  and 
were  in  the  act  of  boarding,  before  any  defence  was 
made  for  the  privateer.— A  warm  contest  ensued  on 
both   sides.    The  boats  were  finally  dispersed,  with 
great  loss. — The  American,  now  calculatiug  on  a  very 
superior  force  being  sent,  cut  his  cables,  and  rowed  the 
privateer  close  in  along  side  of  the  fort,  within  half  ca- 
ble s  length,  where  he  moored  her,  head  and  stern,  with 
four  lines.     The  Governor  now  sent  a  remonstrance  to 
the  Van  Lloyd,  of  the  Plantagenet,  against  such  pro- 
ceedings, and  trusted  that  the  privateer  would  not  be 
further  molested  ;  she  being  in  the  dominions  of  Portu- 
gal, and  under  the  guns  of  the  castle,  was  entitled  to 
Portuguese  protection.     Van  Lloyd's  answer  was,  that 
he  was  determined  to  destroy  the  vessel,  at  the  expence 
of  all  Fayal,  and  should  nny  protection  be  given  her 
by  the  fort,  he  would  not  leave  a  house  sta.idino-  in  the 
village.     All  the  inhabitants  were  gathered  about  the 
walls,  expecting  a  renewal  of  the  attack.  At  midnight, 
14  launches  were  discovered  to  be  coming,  in  rotation 
for  the  purpose.     When  they  got  within  clear,  or  gun- 
shot, ■\  tremendous  and  effectual  discharge  was  made 
from  the  privateer,  which  threw  the  boats  into  confu- 
sion.    They  now  returned  a  spirited  fire ;  but  the  pri- 
vateer kept  up  so  continual  a  discharge,  it  was  almost 
impossible  for  the  boats  to  make  any  progress.     They 
finally  succeeded,  after  immense  loss,  to  get  along  side 
of  her,  and  attempted  to  board  at  every  quarter,  cheer- 
ed by  the  officers  with  a  shout  of  no  quarter,  which  we 
could  distinctly  hear,  as  well  as  their  shrieks  and  cries. 
The  termination  was  near  about  a  total  massacre. 


276 

Three  of  the  hoats  were  sunk,  and  but  one  poor  solita- 
ry officer  escaped  death,  in  a  boat  that  contained  fiiiy 
souls;  he  was  W(Minded.     The  Americans  fought  with 
great  firmness— some  of  the  boats  were  left  without  a 
smgle  n)an  to  row  them  ;  others  with  three  and  four  — 
the  most,  that  any  one  returned  with,  was  about  ten 
Several    boats  floated  on  shore,  full  of  dead  bodies 
With  great  reluctance  I  state,  that  they  were  manned 
witli  picked  men,  and  commanded  by  the  first,  second 
third,  and  fourth  Lieutenants  of  the  Plantagenet  ■  first' 
second,  third,  and  fourth  ditto  of  the  frigate,  and  the 
first  officers  of  the  brig ;  together  with  a  great  number 
ol  midsliipmen.     Our  whole  force  exceeded  400  men  • 
but  three  offictrs  escaped,  two  oi  which  are  wounded! 
1  his  bloody,  and  unfortunate  contest  lasted  about  fortv 
minutes.     After  the  boats  gave  out,  nothing  more  was 
attempted  till  day-light  the  next  morning,  when  the 
C  aination  hauled  along  side,  and  engaged  her.     The 
privateer  still  contiimed  to  make  a  most  gallant  defence. 
Ihese  veterans  reminded  me   of  Lawrence's   dyiiic 
words,  of  the  Chesapeake— «  don't  give  up  the  ship."-? 
J  he  Carnation  lost  one  of  her  top-masts,  and  her  yards 
were  shot  away  ;  she  was  much  cut  up  in  rigging,  and 
rec  en  ed  several  shot  m  her  hull.     This  obliged  her  to 
haul  off  to  repair,  and  to  cease  firing.     The  Americans, 
now  finding  their  principal  gun,  (long  Tom)  and  severa 
others,  dismounted,  deemed  it  folly  to  think  of  saving 
her  against  so  superior  a  force,  they  therefore  cut  away 
her  masts  to  the  deck,  blew  a  hole  through  her  botton^ 
took  out  their  snml   arms,  clothing.  &c?  and  went  on 
shore.     1  discovered  only  two  shot  holes  in  the  hull  of 
the  privateer,  although  much  cut  up  in  rigging     Two 
boats  crews  were  soon  after  dispatched  from  our  ves- 
fnd'l'llir''^"^  ""^  ijr^'l!  *^°^  out  some  provisions, 
plowed  in  burving  the  dead,   that   washed  on  shore 

lon*"^  'TL  T*'^»r^"  «^  B"tish,  killed,  exceed' 
120,  and  90  wounded.  The  enemy,  to  the  surprise  of 
mankind,  lost  only  two  killed,  and  seven  wounded - 
^  e  may  well  say,  «  God  deliver  us  from  our  enemies;' 


.3' 


277 

if  this  is  the  way  the  Americans  fight.— After  burning 
the  privateer.  Van  Lloyd  made  a  demand  of  the  co- 
vernor  to  deliver  up  the  Americans,  as  his  prisoner£- 
which  the  governor  refused.  He  threatened  to  send 
SOO  men  on  shore,  and  take  them  by  force.  The  Ame- 
ricans immediately  retired,  with  their  arms,  to  an  old 
Oothic  convent ;  knocked  away  the  adjoining  draw- 
bridge, and  determined  to  defend  themselvef  to  the 
last.  1  he  Van,  however,  thought  better  than  to  send 
his  men.  ^He  then  demanded  two  men,  which,  he  said 
deserted  from  his  vessel,  when  in  America.  The  go- 
vernor se^t  for  the  men,  but  found  none  of  the  descrin- 
tion  given.  * 

Many  hoiise^s  received  much  injury,  on  shore,  from 
the  guns  of  the  Carnation.    A  woman,  sitting  in  the 
fourth  story  of  her  house,  had  her  thigh  shot  off:  and 
a  boy  had  his  arm  broken.     The  Amereican  Consul 
here  has  made  a  demand  on  the  Portuguese  govern- 
ment for  a  hundred  thousand  dollars,  for  the  privateer  • 
which  our  Consul,  Mr.  Parkin,  thinks,  injustice,  will  be 
paid  ;  and  that  they  will  claim  on  England.     Mr  Par 
kin,  Mr.  Edward  Bay  ley,  and  other  English  gentlemen 
disapprove  of  the  outrage  and  depredation  committed 
by  our  vessels   on  this  occasion.    The  vessel  that  was 
dispatched  to  England,  with  the  wounded,  was  not  per- 
mitted to  take  a  single  letter  from  any  person     Being 
an  eye  witness  to  this  transaction,  I  have  given  vou  a 
correct  statement,  as  it  occuned. 
With  respect,  I  am,  &c. 

H.  K.  F. 

The  publisher  has  conversed  with  Captain  Reid.  who  pronounces 
the  foregoing  account  correct-especially  in  many  particulars  which 
he,  being  engaged,  could  not  have  an  opportunity  of  witaessing. 

AFFAIR  NEAR  NEW  ORLEANS. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Qen.  A..  Jackson,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated 
ci  I,     rS^^P'  ^^^^^  New-Orleansy  25th  Dec.  1814. 
iTT      u  enemy  having,  by  the  capture  of  our 
gun-boats,  obtained  command  of  the  lakes,  were  ena- 


mm 


i 


278 

bled  to  eftect  a  passage  to  Hie  Mississippi,  at  a  po.nt 
on  (he  side  of  New-Orle«ns,  and  about  9  miles  below 
it.  The  moment  I  received  the  intelligence,  I  hastened 
to  attack  him  in  his  first  position  ;  it  was  brought  (»n 
in  the  night,  and  resulted  very  honorably  to  our  arms. 
The  heavy  smoke,  occasioned  by  an  excessive  fire,  ren- 
dered it  necessary  that  I  should  draw  off  my  troops, 
after  a  severe  conflict  of  upwards  of  an  hour. 

The  attack  jvas  made  on  the  night  of  the  ?ld  ;  since 
then,  both  armies  have  remained  near  the  battk  ground, 
making  preparations  for  something  more  decisive. 

The  enemy's  force  exceeded  ours,  bv  double ;  and 
their  loss  was  proportionably  greater.  The  moment  I 
can  spare  the  time,  I  will  forward  you  a  <letailed  ac- 
count ; — in  the  mean  time  I  expect  something,  far  more 
important  will  take  place.— I  hope  to  be  able  to  sus- 
tain the  honor  of  our  arms,  and  to  secure  the  safetv  of 
the  country. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  MaJ.  Gen,  Com^. 
Hon.  James  Munroe,  Sec.  War. 


1^  If " 


i? 


rtiM 


DETAILED  ACCOUNT. 

H.  Q.  7th  Military  District,  27th  Dec.  1814. 

^ttt — The  loss  of  our  gun-boats,  near  the  pass  of 
the  Rigolets,  having  given  the  enemy  the  command  of 
Lake  Borgne,  he  was  enabled  to  choose  his  point  of  at- 
tack. It  became,  therefore,  an  object  of  importance 
to  obstruct  the  numerous  bayous  and  canals,  leading 
from  that  lake  to  the  highlands,  on  the  Mississippi.—- 
This  important  service  was  committed,  in  the  first  in- 
stan(  e,  to  a  detachment  from  the  7th  regiment ;  after- 
wards to  Col.  De  Laronde,  of  the  Louisiana  militia— 
and  lastly,  to  make  all  sure,  to  Maj.  Gen.  Villere,  com- 
manding the  district  between  the  river  and  the  lakes  ; 
and  who,  being  a  native  of  the  country,  was  presumed 
to  be  best  acquainted  with  all  those  passes.  Unfortu- 
nately, however,  a  picquet,  which  the  General  had 


279 

established  at  the  mouth  of  the  Bayou  Bienv  -u,  and 
which,  notwithstanding  my  orders,  had  bt-en  lett  unob- 
structed, was  completely  surprised ;  and  the  enemy 
penetrated  through  a  canal,  leading  to  his  farm,  about 
two  leagues  below  the  city,  and  succeeded  in  cutting 
off  a  company  of  militia  stationed  there.  Tins  intellf- 
gence  was  comnuinicated  to  me  about  12  o'clock,  of 
the  23d ;  ny  force,  at  this  tiuje,  consisted  of  parts  of 
the  7th  and  44th  regini.  nts,  not  exceeding  600,  togeth- 
er; the  city  militia,  n  part  of  Gen.  Coffee's  brigade  of 
mounted  gun-men,  and  the  detached  mililia,  from  the 
western  division  of  Tennessee,  under  the  command  of 
Maj.  Gen.  Carrol ;  these  U  o  last  corps  were  stationed 
lour  miles  above  the  city. 

^Apprehending  a  double  attack,  by  way  of  Chief- 
Menteur,  I  left   Gen.  Carrol's  force,  and  the  militia  of 
Uie  city,  posted  on  the  Gentilly  road  ;  and,  at  5  o'clock, 
P.  M.  marched  to  meet  the  enemy,  wJiom  I  was  resolv- 
ed to  attack  in  his  first  position,     Uh  Major  Hind's 
dragoons,  Gen.  Coffee's  brigade,  p.uts  of  the  7th  and 
44th  regiments,  the  uniformed  companies  of  miltia,  un- 
der the  command  of  Major  Planche— 200  men  of  co- 
lor, chiefly  from  St.  Domingo,  raised  by  Col.  Saver> 
and  acting  under  the  command  o*'  Major  Dagwin;  and 
a  detachment  of  artillery,  under  ihe  direction  of  Col. 
M'Rea,  with  two  6  prs.  under  the  command  of  Lieut 
Spotts  ;— not  exceeding,  in  all,  1500.    I  arrived  near 
the  enemy  s  encampment  about  7,  and  iuunediately 
made  my  dispositions  for  the  attack— -his  forces  amount- 
ing, at  that  time,  on  land,  to  about  3000,  extended  half 
a  mile  on  the  river;  and,  in  the  rear,  nearly  to  the 
wood.    Gen.  Cotfee  was  ordered  to  turn  their  right, 
while,  with  the  residue  of  our  force,  I  attacked  his 
strongest  position  on  the  left,  near  the  river.    Commo- 
dore Patterson  having  dropped  down  the  river,  in  the 
schooner  Caroline,  was  directed  to  open  a  fire  on  their 
camp,  which  he  executed  at  about  half  after  7.    Thi« 
being  the  signal  of  attack.  Gen.  Coffee's  men,  with  their 
usual  impetuosity,  rushed  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  en- 
tered their  camp— while  our  right  advanced  with  equal 


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280 

ardor.    There  can  be  but  little  doubt,  that  we  should 
have  succeeded  on  that  occasion,  with  our  inferior 
force,  in  destroying  or  capturing  the  enemy,  had  not  a 
thick  fog,  which  arose  about  8  o'clock,   occasioned 
some  confusion  among  the  different  corps — fearing  the 
consequences,  under  this  circumstance,  of  the  further 
prosecution  of  a  night  attack,  with  troops  then  acting 
together  for  the  first  time,  I  contented  myself  with/ 
lying  on  the  field  that  night ;  ^nd,  at  four  in  the  morn^ 
mg,  assumed  a  stronger  position,  about  2  miles  nearer 
the  city.     At  this  position  I  remain  encamoed,  waiting  the 
arrival  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  otherreinforcenients. 
As  the  fate  of  the  city  will  depend  upon  this  army,  it 
must  not  be  incautiously  exposed. 

In  this  affair,  the  whole  corps,  under  my  command,  de- 
serve the  greatest  credit.  The  best  compliment  I  can 
pay  to  Gen.  Coffee,  and  his  brigade,  is  to  say  they  be- 
haved as  they  have  always  done,  while  under  my  com- 
mand ;  the  7th,  led  by  Major  Pierre,  and  the  44th,  by 
Col.  Ross,  distinguished  themselves;  the  battalion  of  city 
militia,  commanded  by  Major  Planche,  realized  my  antici- 
pations, and  behaved  like  veterans  ;  Savary's  volunteers 
manifested  great  bravery;  and  the  company  of  city  rifle- 
men, having  penetrated  into  the  midst  of  the  enemy's 
camp,  were  surrounded,  and  fought  their  way  out  with 
the  greatest  heroism,  bringing  with  them  a  number  of 
prisoners — the  two  field  pieces  were  well  served,  by  the 
officer  commanding  them. 

All  my  officers  in  the  line  did  their  duty,  and  I  have 
fevery  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  whole  of  my  field 
and  staff.  Cols.  Butler  and  Piatt,  and  Major  Chotard,  by 
their  intrepidity,  saved  the  artillery ;  Col.  Haynes  was 
every  where  that  duty  or  danger  called.  I  was  deprived 
of  the  services  of  one  of  my  aids,  Capt.  Butler,  whom  I 
was  obliged  to  station  in  town  ;  Capt.  Reid,  my  other  aid, 
and  Messrs.  Livingston,  Duplissis,  and  Davizac,  who  had 
volunteered  their  services,  faced  danger  wherever  it  was 
to  be  met,  and  carried  my  orders  with  the  utmost  promp- 
titude. ^      ^ 


281 
We  made  one  Major,  2  subaltems,  and  63  privates  nri- 

It  to  amount  to  100,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  miasina  — 

deXif  oForc'  !r' 'V^  ^"^"^'^«  loss  of ct;^ 

Snt'  C^L  n**^^^ !,^/'f  ^^'  ^*»°  f«"  ^hile  bravely 
SS!:?  o  tJ^^*"^"^  ^'^^"^  «^  *h^  same  corps,  werj 
wo^inded,  and  Major  Kl^renaugh  taken  prisoner.  ^ 

I  nave  the  honor,  &c.         i 

A.  JACKSON. 

From  tlu  same  to  0  i  aame^Dee.  29, 1 8 1 4. 
Ifae  enemy  succeeded,   >n  the  27th,  in  blowinff  ud  the 
Carohne,  (she  being  becalmed,)  by  means  of  lot  Cot 
from  a  battery  whicj  he  had  erecteS  in  the  nilht     E^ 
boldened  by  this  event,  he  marched  his  whole  force  the 
next  day  up  the  Levee,  in  the  hope  of  drivinir  us  from  our 
ros.t.on.  and,  with  this  view,  onLed  upon Ts,  ^t  rdT 
tance  of  about  half  a  mile,  his  "bombs  Ld  rockets     He 
was  repulsed,  however,  with  considerable  loss-not  less 
,t  .s  believed,  than  120  killed ;  ours,  not  exceeding  6  km 
ed,  and  12  wounded.     Since  then,  he  has  not  ventured  o 
repeat  fa,s  attempt,  though  lying  close  together-frequent 
skrm.sh,ng  between  our  pickets.     I  lament  that  l\ave 
not  the  means  of  carrymg  on  more  offensive  operations!!! 
The  Kentucky  troops  have  not  arrived;  an^  my  effec- 
tive force,  at  this  point,  does  not  exceed  aOOoftheira 
must  be,  at  least,  double-both  prisoners  and  d;serters 

Sr^'  'f^K*"'  1^'T'"*'  *^"*  ™^  ^^»<J«d  from  tS 
boats.        I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

^ A.  JACKSON. 

BATTLE  OF  NEW-ORLEANS. 

Cofjf  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Jackson  to  the  SecrUary  of  War,  dated 
QiD     ^^^P'  \mihsbelow  New-Orleans,  Jan.  9, 1815 
h  J  K        T^.**"^  **T  ^^  ^^^  ^*''  ^"^  7th,  the  enemy 
had  been  actively  employed,  in  making  preparations  for 
^n  attack  on  my  fmes.     With  infinite  labor  t£ey  had  sue!; 

N  n 


r '.  fi 


282 

ceeded,  on  the  night  ol*  the  7th,  in  getting  their  boats 
across,  from  the  lake  to  the  river,  by  widening  and  deep- 
ening tlie  canal,  on  which  they  had  effected  their  disem- 
barkation  ;  it  had  not  been  in  my  power  to  impede  these 
operations,  by  a  general  attack ;  added  to  other  reasons, 
the  nature  of  the  troops  under  my  command,  mostly  mili- 
tia, rendered  it  too  hazardous  to  attempt  extensive  offen- 
sive movements,  in  an  open  country,  against  a  numerous 
and  well  disciplined  army. 

Although  my  forces,  as  to  number,  had  been  increased 
by  the  arrival  of  the  Kentucky  division,  my  strength  had 
received  very  little  addition— a  small  portion  only,  of  that 
detachment,  being  provided  vi^ith  arms.     Compelled,  thus, 
to  wait  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  I  took  every  measure  to 
repel  it,  when  it  should  be  made,  and  to  defeat  the  object 
he  had  in  view.     Gen.  Morgan,  virith  the  Orleans  contin- 
gent, the  Louisiana  militia,  and  a  strong  detachment  of 
the  Kentucky  troops,  occupied  an  intrenched  camp  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river,  protected  by  strong  batteries 
on  the  bank,  erected  and  superintended  by  Commodore 
Patterson.     In  my  encampment,  every  thing  was  ready 
for  action — when,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the 
enemy,  after  throwing  a  heavy  shower  of  bombs  and  Con- 
greve  rockets,  advanced  their  columns  on  r  ly  right  and 
left,  to  storm  my  intrenchments.     I  cannot  speak  suffi- 
ciently in  praise  of  the  firmness,  and  dehberation,  with 
which  my  whole   line   received   their  approach — more 
could  not  have  been  expected  fromi  veterans,  inured  to 
war.     For  an  hour,  the  fire  of  the  small  arms  was  as  in- 
cessant, and  severe,  as  can  be  imagined — the  artillery  too. 
directed  by  officers  who  displayed  equal  skill  and  cou- 
rage, did  great  execution  :— yet  the  columns  of  the  ene- 
my continued  to  advance,  with  a  firmness  which  reflects 
upon  them  the  greatest  credit ;  twice  the  column  which 
approached  me,  on  my  left,  was  repulsed  by  the  troops 
of  Gen.  Carrol,  those  of  Gen.  Coffee,  and  a  division  of 
Kentucky  militia — and  twice  they  formed  again,  and  re- 
newed the  assault.     At  length,  however,  cut  to  pieces, 
they  fled,  in  confusion,  from  the  field,  leaving  it  covered 
with  their  dead  and  wounded.     The  loss,  which  the  ene- 


283 

uu-Bustained  on  this  occasion,  cannot  be  estimated  at  less 

J^fno'i    '  '".  '""f'^',  ^^""'led,  and  prisoners-npw&rds 
01  300  have  already  been  dehvered  over  for  buria]  ;  and 
my  men  are  still  engaged  in  pickinff  them  up,  within  my 
lines,  and  carrymg  them  to  the  point  whei^  the  enemv 
are  to  receive  them;  this  is  in  addition  to  the  dead  and 
wounded  whom  the  enemy  have  been  enabled  to  carry 
Irom  the  field,  durmg  and  since  the  action— and  to  those 
who  have  since  died,  of  the  wounds  they  received.     We 
Have  taken  about  500  prisoners,  upwards  of  300  of  whom 
are  wounded,  and  a  great  part  of  them  mortallv.   My  loss 
has  not  exceeded,  and  I  believe  has  not  amounted  to  ten 
kJlltid,  pnd  as  many  wounded.     The  entire  destruction  of 
the  enemy  s  army  was  now  inevitable,  had  it  not  been  for 
an  unfortunate  occurrence,  which,  at  this  moment,  took 
Place  on  the  other  side  of  the  river  .—simultaneously  with 
His  advance  upon  my  lines,  he  had  thrown  over,  with  his 
boats,  a  considerable  force  to  the  other  side  of  the  river  • 
these,  havmg  landed,  were  hard^  enough  to  advance  to 
the  assault  ol  Gen.  Morgan ;  and  what  is  strange,  and  dif- 
hcult  to  account  for,  at  the  very  moment  when  their  en-  . 
tire  discomfiture  was  looked  for,  with  a  confidence  ap- 
proaching to  certainty,  the  Kentucky  reinforcements,  m 
whom   so  much  reliance  had  been  placed,  ingloriously 
fled,  drawinr  after  them,  by  their  example,  the  remainder 
ot  the  forces,  and  thus  yielding  to  the  enemy  the  most 
lortunate  position.— The  batteries,  which  had  rendered 
me,  for  many  days,  the  most  important  service,  thouo-h 
bravely  defended,  were,  of  course,  now  abandoned  :  nSt, 
however,  until  the  guns  had  been  spiked. 

This  unfortunate  route  had  totally  changed  the  aspect 
ol  aliairs.  Ihe  enemy  now  occupied  a  position  from 
which  they  might  annoy  us  without  hazard,  and  by  means 
ot  which  they  might  have  been  enabled  to  defeat,  in  a 
great  measure,  the  effects  of  our  success  on  this  side  the 
fiver— It  became,  therefore,  an  object  of  the  first  mao-ni- 
tiide,  to  dislodge  him  as  sopn  as  possible ;  for  this  object, 
all  the  means  m  my  power,  which  I  could  with  any  safety 
use,  were  immediately  put  in  preparation.  Perhaps,  how- 
ever. It  was  owing  somewhat  to  another  cause,  that  I  sue- 


Sh, 


lA 


iiteiiiiiilliiwii 


J 


I/. 


i 


284 

ceeoed,  even  bejond  my  expectations  .-—in  negociating  the 
terms  of  a  temporary  suspnsion  of  hostilities,  to  enable 
the  enemy  td  bury  their  dead,  and  provide  for  their 
wounded,  I  had  required  certain  propositions  to  be  acce- 
ded to,  as  a  basis— among  which,  this  was  one  :-^that 
although  hostilities  should  cease  on  this  side  the  river' 
until  12  o'clock  of  this  day,  yet  it  was  not  to  be  under- 
stood that  they  should  cease  on  the  other  side  ;  but,  that 
no  reinforcements  should  be  sent  across,  by  either  army 
until  the  expiration  of  that  day.     His  excellency.  Major 
General  Lambert,  begged  time  to  consider  of  those  prol 
positions,  until  10  o'clock  to-day ;  and,  in  the  mean  time 
re-crossed  his  troops.    Ineed  not  tell  you  with  how  much 
eaojerness  I  immediately  regained  possession  of  the  posi- 
tion  he  had  thus  hastily  quitted. 

The  enemy,  having  concentered  his  forces,  may  again 
attempt  to  drive  me  from  my  position,  by  storm:  when- 
ever he  does,  I  have  no  doubt  my  men  will  act  with  their 
usual  firmness,  and  sustain  a  character,  now  become  dear 
to  them.         I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

rr      c      r«r         A.  JACKSON,  itfiy.  »«,.  Comff. 
Hon  Sec.  of  War.  * 

H.  Q.  Vifl  bank  nf  Mutissippi,  5  miUs  belrw  N.  Orleans,  Jm.  10. 1815 

SIR— I  hare  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  killed  wnnn.l' 

ed.  and  prisoners,  taken,  in  the  battle  at  LanMKT's  ptaSatlon/on  the  kft  iS 

KILLED— left  on  the  field  of  battle,  100.    tTOUlvnPTt—An.  ooa 
PRISONERS  TJKEJV-l  Major.  2  U^^J^imiSJt'tfL: 
eommissioned  officers  and  privates-making  a  grand  total  ofSw      '       '^"* 
I  have  the  honor,  &c.  a  p  HAvivir   k..^  ^ 

MaJ.  Gen.  Jndretv  Jackson.  HAYJVE.  Imp.  Gen. 

FURTHER  PARTICULARS. 
Copjf  of  a  Utter  from  General  Jaekson,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  iaUd 

ciD     a*       u        ^.V**J  "*'•*'  ^'o'^  OrleanB,  Jan.  13, 1815. 

SIR— At  aucb  &  eriak.  I  conceive  it  ray  doty  to  kLn^„tL 
■tantly  advised  of  ray  situation.  '  •*  ^"  ^''"" 

Go  tlie  lOtli  inst.  I  forwarded  you  an  aeeount  of  tiie  hold  ><«•»»» 
made  by  tfie  enemy,  on  the  morning  of  IheSth,  irtake  »««« Sf 

That  report,  having  been  seat  by  the  mail  which  i>rn«.*.  #17-1.1- 
»ay  possibly  have  miaearried-ftj  whicTiiawM  Su  th. t^ 


^.^«at;». 


f^.K-m- 


ft  ' 


285 

Ikriy  oil  the  moroingof  the  8th,  the  eoemy.  having  been  actively 
omploy ed  t  .e  two  preceding  days  in  making  preparation,  fir  ..torof 
advanced,  m  two  strong  column.,  on  my  right  and  left :  tjjv  w«e' 
received,  howey.r,  with  a  firmness,  whichfit  seems,  they  iJukei 
pected,  and  which  defeated  all  their  hooes  Mv  n.P„  „„  !  !  u  ." 
by  their  approach  which  indeed.  theyXJ  lo^g"^  .Sous"lf  S:3 
for,  opened  upon  them  a  fire,  so  deliberate  and  certnJn  «.  ^  i  . 
their  scaling-ladders,  and  fascines,  at  well  a.  IheS  1 're  d  r^.K*^ 
plement.  01  warfare,  perfectly  useless.     For  «,  Suof  aj  ,0'"?; 

ZVnZ^tV  *f  '  ''"''°*^'  «f  ^•'•"^  "'"« ''ave  been  but  f^^v'i. 
stances,  perhaps,  in  any  country.     In  justice  to  the  enemi"  it  mu« 
be  said,  they  withstooci  it  as  long  as  ccnild  have  been  exVer  J.  T 
the  most  determined  bravery,    it  length,  however"  S  a,t  JroT 
pectof  success  became  hopeless,  they  fled,  in  confusion"  from  th^ 

fmiLT",^*' r"f ';**  "''*•  *"•'' *»«''•' «««»  «'ounded-the  r  Zn as 
immense :  I  had,  at  first,  computed  it  at  !500  •  but  U  i»  .J„„ 

tained  to  have  been  much  greater.     Upon  iSf;,rmlt^'oi\rcb?s'bT 

ieved  to  be  correct.  Col.  Haynes,  the  Inspector-Generarrenor  s  it 

1','"  t^  *1*"  '  2.600-his  report  I  inclise  you.    My  oss  wal  in 

co,«iderabe,  being  only  7  Icilled.  and  6  wounded.     S^uchadfsnm 

portion  in  loss,  when  we  consider  the  number  and  Icind  of  troopS' 

gaged,  must,  I  know,  excite  astonishment,  and  may  noT  everJ 

where,  be  credited  ;  yet,  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that^heaccountfs 

not  exaggerated  on  the  one  part,  nor  underrated  on  the  other 

1  he  enemy  having  hasUly  quitted  a  post  which  they  had  ^aino.! 

possession  of,  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  we  haying  iSr 

Whether,  aHer  the  severe  losses  he  has  sustained  he  i^  nr..no^ 
to  return  to  his  shipping,  or  to  make  still  mSer  efforts  U.li?.T 
his  first  object,  I  do  not  pretend  to  determine.     irbecL^,  »     " 
act  as  though  the  latter  were  his  intention      One    hin^h„        *° 

hitherto  been  unable  to  accomplish,  he  must  expect  considerabfe  rr 
nforcements-as  the  force  with  which  he  landed  mu"?,  undoubted' 
ly.  J)e  diminished,  by  at  least  3000.     Besides  the  loss  whirJh 

M"''hT  '\^'^  ""•  :^"'^»'  "  -«'"»teT;t/oorL  cannot  hZ" 
suffered  Tess,  between  that  period  and  the  mornine  of  hT^i!  -7 

iuemnts7'r*"«'  within  t'hat  time,  been  T^^eVin  ^^olenerai 
attempts  to  drive  us  from  our  posilion,  and  there  haying  be?n  con 
inua  cannonading  and  skirmishing  during  the  whole  of  ft      yJT 
ii«till«ble  to  show  a  very  formidaMe  force.  '  ^* 

There  Is  little  doubt  that  the  commanding  General  Sir  VA«,u.a 
Pakenham,  was  killed  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  and  tiat  Maio^.  ?!'^ 
Keane  and  Gibbs  were  badly  wounded.  Whenever  a  S?  ?  °* 
moment  shalj  occur,  I  will  tie  Ihe  HbeVtyTo  ^ke  U^nTfiZJS 

XSyThrirr 'is"".'  T!'"'''  °^  the'several  acUo;s.ld  y^S 
calarly  that  of  th«  8th;  in  doing  which,  my  chief  motive  will  K 


* 


l^tilMWtlllMllllL 


286 


render  justice  to  those  brave  men  I  have  the  honor  to  command 
and  who  have  so  remarkably  distinguished  themselves. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

„,^^J'^^'^  'if ''^'Ji^lf<i>  mounded,  aiidprUoners  taken,  at  the  batlU  on  the 
Sllnf /r""?*-S'*   '8l*VTK«""d'  TOO-M'oundcd.   HOO-Prisoners  take"     I 
UZ\  *f  "Pt"""; ."  Lieutenants,  1  Ensign.  483  noncommissioned  officer' 
and  privates—making  a  grand  totaJ  of  2,C(X). 
MaJ.  Gen.  J.  Jackson.  a.  P.  HAYNE,  Imp.  Gen. 

DECAMPMENT  OP  THE  ENEMY. 
From  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson,  to  the  Sccretari/  of  War. 

r     .      '  u.   '':  ^  7th 'Mil.  Dist.  Camp,  below  Orleans,  Jan.  19.  1015. 

Last  night,  at  12  oclocli,  the  enemy  precipitately  decamped, 
and  returned  to  his  boats,  leaving  behind  him,  under  medical  atten' 
«.ance,  eighty  of  his  wounded,  including  tivo  officers,  fourteen  pieces 
of  his  heavy  artillery,  and  a  quantity  of  shot,  having  destroyed 
much  of  his  poxvder.  Such  was  the  situation  of  the  ground  which 
he  abandoned,  and  of  that  through  wl.ich  he  retired,  protected  by 
canals,  redoubts,  intrenchments,  and  swamps  on  his  right,  and  the 
mer  on  his  left,  that  I  could  not.  without  encountering  a  risk,  which 
true  policy  did  not  seem  to  require,  or  to  authorize,  attempt  to  annoy 
him  much,  on  his  retreat— we  took  only  eight  prisoners. 

Whether  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  enemy  to  abandon  the  expedition 
nitogether,  or  renew  his  efforts  at  some  other  point,  I  do  not  pretend 

I,".*  i-.!I"T*k!*  '  Po^'^.'^en^^s;  in  my  own  mind,  however,  there  is 
but  little  doubt  that  his  last  exertions  have  been  made,  in  this  nuaN 
^'n  K*"^  u^^  '^"^  the  present  season;  and.  by  the  next,  I  hope  we 
shall  be  fully  prepared  for  him.     In  this  belief  I  am  strengthened 
not  only  oy  the  prodigious  loss  he  has  sustained  at  the  posilion  he 
has  just  quitted,  but  by  the  failure  of  his  fleet  to  pass  fort  St.  Philln 
His  loss,  6n  this  ground,  since  the  debarkation  of  his  troops,  as  sta^ 
ted  by  all  the  last  prisoners  and  deserters,  and  as  confirmed  by  many 
additional  circumstances,  must  have  exceeded  four  thousand,  and 
was  greater,  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  than  was  estimated,  from  the 
most  correct  data  then  in  his  possession,  by  the  Inspector-General 
whose  report  has  been  forwarded  to  you.     We  succeeded,  on  the  8lh 
in  getting  from  the  enemy  about  1000  stand  of  arms,  of  various 
descriptions.  '         »»r«uus 

Since  the  action  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  have  been  allowed  very 
little  respite-my  artillery,  from  both  sides  of  the  river,  being  c.n- 
stantly  employed,  till  the  night,  and  indeed  until  the  hour  of  their 
retreat,  in  annoying  them  ;  no  doubt  they  thought  it  ouite  timp  tn 
quit  a  poaition,  in  which  so  little  rest  could  be  found 

I  am  advised  by  Miyor  Overton,  who  commands  at  fort  St.  Philip. 

inlJiiltAl        .   »?«'>,T't"f;  Without  effect.  Had,  on  the  mora- 

Ihi  L  if       ^'  \^^lu^'    '  '"'^*  ""'« **°"*"  *•'«»  h«  «^o"'d  have  been 
able  to  have  sunk  their  vessels,  had  they  attempted  to  run  by. 


i'-^^^S^iL 


yo?wm'^„„'f '.iirj'"  7'^''*  ^'^ .""  *''"«  consjderalion.,  I  believe 
tZxvhlLJJt  ^'  ,  '  ''°i'^'  »'««'«''«r,  I  need  not  assure  you, 

P  <     n  *h    «..  ANDREW  JACKSON, 

r.  o     uiitho  ISth,  our  prhonen  on  shore  wero  tlrlivoro.i  *« 

anexcess  of  »e,en»l  hundred.''  tliDREwTACKToN"''^ 

200.  January.^Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  Navy,  ha.,  to-day  to- 

ken  54  prisoners ;  among  them  are  4  officers.  T  \ 

Hon.  James  Munroe,  Sec.  War. 

U.  Q.  7tk  Mil.  Di.t  yidj.  Cms.  Office,  Jackson',  Linei,  below 
sin     T  I.  .    41.    ..  .  OWeons,  ./an.  16,  181.0. 

Killed,  inthe  action  of  the  2M  Dec  laia  9i     u-^„^j^ji  •    j     ,..-     ... 
int.  ill  do  74— Total  sAllIiAiij  '."'^'24— ^^ounrfeJ,  m  do.  ll.^~3/m. 

„?'     ,  r        .        ^'  ^''* Killed,  m  the  action  of  Dec  2H/A    i«i/i    t 

/rou«rf«rf.  iu  do.  H-Missing,  None-Total  l5.-l:Amd  in  /a*  i/L  3- 
Ja«u«rj,  1,  181f».  U-IVounded,  in  do.  23-AL,n/Nol^T„t,i  li""  "-^ 
KiUedtn  the  action  of  Jan.  Sth,  1815.  on  boVs    es  of  the  r  iv^    i?  ?r  "T 

ed,^Mis»ing,  19-Total  71 Graad  ^1  M3.  '  '^-"'^"''* 

/Far  Department.  ROBERT  BUTLER.  ,^rf/.  Of  n. 

HORNET  AND  PENGUIN. 

Coj,^/  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  Diddle  to  Com.  Decatur,  dated-V.  s.  Sloon  Nor 
cm     ..         ^^^'iir  Tristan  d'Jcunha,March2.'i.m5.     '•*""'^^'"- 
„»  I    ir      iT^  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  inst 

fi  I  A^'^'V'^"'  *" -f "  '"'°"*  *"  ^'"^'»°''  °'^*''«  "«'th  end  of  the  isiL  of  Tr   ' 
tan  d'Acunlja,  a  sad  was  seen  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  steerhi? to  thr 
westward  the  wind  tresh  from  the  S.  S.  W.     In  a  few  minutes  .he  had  L 
ed  on  to  the  westward  so  that  we  could  not  see  her  for  the  land.    I  immed  " 
ate  y  made  sail  for  the  westward,  and  shortly  after,  getting  m  si4t  of  he," 
again,  perceived  her  to  bear  up  before  the  wind.  I  hovl  too  for  h  ?n  ♦« 
down  to  us     When  she  had  a^roached  neaJ  I  LS[?he  mS-t S    a'lS 
couUnued  to  yaw  the  ship,  while  she  continued  to  come  down,  w 'afS  occa 
sionally  to  prevent  her  passing  under  our  stern.     At  1,  40,  P  M.  be i"^  w^th" 
in  nearly  musquet-shot  distance,  she  hauled  her  wind  on  the  starS  7»^r 
hoisted  fenglish  colon,,  and  fired  a  gun.    We  ir^meSJaSy  Sffed  tt  hoS 
our  ensign,  and  gave  the  enemy  a  broadside.    Tlie  action  beinir  th„c  n„ 
ineneed.  a  quick  and  well  directed  fire  was  kept  up Lm  S  shff  thpL 
gradually  drifting  nearer  to  us.  when  at  1.  55^.  he'ire Tip.  iyXtrto  2 
m  on  board     As  soon  as  I  perceived  he  would  certainly  fall  on  boS  I  ca 
^stlnt^vlrrffi"'"  10  be  ready  to  repel  any  attempt  to  board  m     mZ 
v«ll'     *'^  '*®^*'"  ?"•*  """•  '■*'•'''''■«''  »°  the  quarteiwleck.  where  the  twn 
hS  r™  «°""«g 'nf»"tact,  and  eagerly  pressed  me  to  permit  them   « 
board  the  enemy;  but  this  I  would  not  permit,  as  it  was  evident  from  th.? 
commenceaieut  of  the  action. -that  our  fire  wa's  greatly  s?Sr'.  bo?h  ii; 


fel 


288 

quickness  awl  in  effect.  The  enemy's  bownprit  eamo  In  between  onr  nuin 
■nd  mlzen  rigging,  on  our  starboard  lide,  aflbrding  bim  an  opportunity  to  board 
us,  If  such  was  his  design  ;  but  no  attempt  was  made.  There  was  a  consida- 
rabloswull  on,  and  ah  the  sea  iiiled  ui  ahead,  the  enemy's  bowsprit  carried 
away  our  iiiizen  shrouds,  stem  davits,  and  spanker  boom,  and  he  hung  upon 
our  larboard  quarter.  At  this  moment,  an  oflker,  who  was  afterwards  lecor- 
nteed  to  be  Mr.  IVl'Donaid,  the  1st  Lieutenant,  and  the  then  commanding  o1' 
Acer,  called  out  that  they  had  surrendered.  I  dir«cted  the  marines  and  miis* 
qiietry-men  to  cease  firing ;  and,  while  on  the  taffrail.  asking  If  they  had  sur- 
rendered, I  received  a  wouud  in  the  neck.  The  enemy  Just  then  got  clear  of 
us,  and  his  foremast  and  bowsprit  being  both  gone,  and  pereeiTlng  us  wear- 
ing to  give  him  a  freSh  broadside,  he  agJn  called  out  that  be  had  surrendered. 
It  was  with  diflkulty  I  could  restrain  my  crew  from  firing  into  bin  again,  as 
he  had  certainly  fired  into  us  after  having  surrendered.  From  the  firing  of 
the  first  gun,  to  the  last  time  the  enemy  cried  out  ho  had  surrendered,  was 
eiactly  22m.  by  the  watch.  She  proved  to  be  his  B.  IM.  brig  Penguin, 
mounting  sixteen  .321b.  oarronades,  two  long  12*s,  •  121b  carronade  on  the 
top-gallant  forecastle,  with  swivels  on  the  cap-ctero.  in  the  tops.  She  had  a 
spare  port  forward,  so  as  to  fight  both  her  long  guns  of  a  side.  She  sailed 
from  England  in  September  last.  She  was  shorter  upon  deck  than  this  ship, 
by  two  feet,  but  she  had  a  greater  length  of  keel,  greater  breadth  of  beam, 
thicker  sides,  and  higher  bulwarks,  than  this  ship,  and  was,  in  all  respects, 
u  remarkably  tine  vessel  of  her  class.  The  enemjr  acknowledge  a  eomple- 
ment  of  132 ;  12  of  them  supernumerary  marines,  from  the  IVIedway,  74  ~ 
They  acknowledge,  also,  a  loss  of  14  killed  and  28  wounded ;  bat  Mr.  Mayo 
who  was  in  charge  of  the  prize,  assures  me  that  the  number  of  killed  was  cer- 

Uinly  greater. It  is  a  most  pleasing  part  of  my  duty  to  acquaint  you  that 

the  conduct  ef  Lieuts.  Conner  and  Newton,  Mr.  Mayo,  acting  Lieut.  Browns- 
low  of  the  marines,  fniling'master  Rommey,  and  the  other  officers,  seamen 
and  marines.  I  have  the  honor  to  command,  was,  in  the  behest  degree,  en* 
ditable  to  themselves,  and  calls  for  my  warmest  recommendation.    I  cannot 
indeed  do  justice  to  their  merits. 

I  have  the  honor,  &c.  j    BIDDLE 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  CYANE  AND  LEVANT 

Copy  qfa  Utter  from  Capt.  SUmart,  to  the  Seeretani  of  the  Navv.  daUd  V 
S.  Frigate  Cotutitution.  May  —,1816.  ' 

^  Sm-On  the  20th  of  February  last,  the  inland  of  Madeira  bearing  about  W 
S.  W.  distant  60  leagues,  we  fell  in  with  his  B.  M.  two  shipTof  Sr  the  r!' 
ane  and  Levant,  and  brought  them  to  action  about «  o'clock  in  the'eveninc 
both  of  which,  after  a  spurited  engagement  of  40  minutes,  sorriindered  to  the 
ship  under  my  command. 

Considering  the  advantages,  derived  by  the  enemy,  from  a  dirided  and 
more  active  force,  as  also  their  superiority  in  the  weight  and  number  of  guns! 
I  deem  the  speedy  and  decisive  result  of.this  action  the  strongest  msiSS 
which  call  be  given  to  the  government,  that  all  under  my  comS«»d^  «S 
dutr,  and  gallantly  supported  the  reputation  of  American  seiunen. 

Enclosed  you  will  receive  the  minutes  of  the  action,  and  a  list  of  the  kill- 
ed  and  wounded  on  board  this  ship;  also,  enclosed  you  will  roceire.  for  your 

Lt"^ir;o'l.S5'"''"^i"L"lt'f  *"?!'■""'•  "^  theienemy,  and  the  nS 
kUled  and  wounded  on  board  their  ships,  as  near  as  could  be  ascertained. 
I  have  the  honor,  *c.  CHAS.  STEWART. 

Our  loss,  in  the  above  action,  was  3  killed  ud  12  wounded—total  15  •  that 
of  the  enemy  was  13  killed  and  26  wound^l— total  38. 


289 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  FRIGATE  PRESIDENT 
Cm  of  a  letter  Jrom  Com.  Decatur,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  NavyMcd 
Hi.  Bntannic  Miyealy'.  Shi,,  En.l^mion.  at  Sea, 

per  margin)  has  devolJTunonLv  ?"*"""'«  Miyesly's  .hips  (ns 
14th.  I  Sade  knom,  o  yoS  mv  Tn  ;„.  "  "'J'  '^°'"'"»"J««tion  of  the 
that  evening.  o7ing?oT.7Ju  2  'o?  I'Xr'Jj^  ''•  ^^^  *'" 
ing  out  grounded  on  the  bur,  wi.ere  t  con UnueH  '"  T 

for  an  hour  and  a  half-  nithm.n-i.  «k„  u    ,\""';""«"  'o  strike  heavily 

der  braces,  and  Ld  rece  leH  ih  n.K  "''  ''7''"".  !"'*"""'  "^  ''"  ""'- 
her  return  nto  por  deBirabt  y  1.  ["."'f  "^'  '"J^^y  "«  '°  ••«"''«r 
westerly  wind  Sh  rst'e'n'bKSr'^  "  '""  '"•'  '^""^ 

th J  barb?rore^e't15e":,^^ 'U-"'''"  '  ""'"T"^  *«  ^--  »•"  over 
we  shaped  our  CO  "rseS.r«I''.hr'"fr''"\''^  10  o'clock,  when 
and  the'n  BteeredTE.  i^l'^^At  n'ctck"Ti;'''''°t'"*''  '°  "•''««' 
covered  ahead;  we  immidiately  hnu?ed  u„  Ihl  T  ""P."  "^"*  *'"• 

our  distance  from  the  razSrbuUhe  next  sT/i^;:;'! ''"''  TT''"^ 
also  a  large  ship,  had  gained  and  conned  ;%a  1  »'^.;;''  ''" 
siderably;  we  immediately  occupied  all  hand^fn^h?       u'  *'°"' 

W^lw     •      ^u°"u' '"  ^""^  ''°P«  that  she  would  close  with  us  on  onr 
broadside,  in  which  case  I  had  prepared  my  crew  to  bS-  b,.t  frnm 

eiide^n*;  tr;"»^  *!*  ^*^  *""  ^"'P  *^  '"«'"*«^"  "is  posiSjt  becam^ 

circumstances  w3  Sive  Eeen  Xcinett  i'n^hSsT'  "".''''' '.""« 
us    without  being  subject  to  inl^r^Sl     ':^VZ':tS^ 

to  alter  my  course  south,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  e^lmy 


/ 


****»k«.-^,»i«ftS 


290 


aheMm,  and  although  Ihvir  thips  aaturn  were  drawiug  up  Tatt,  1  f«|t 
satisfied  I  should  be  euabled  to  throw  him  out  of  the  combat  before 
they  could  come  up,  and  was  not  without  hopes,  if  the  night  proved 
daric,  (of  which  there  was  every  appearance)  that  I  might  still  be 
enabled  to  effect  my  escape.  Our  opponent  kept  off  at  the  same  in- 
stant we  did,  and  our  fire  commenced  at  the  same  time.  We  con- 
tinued engaged, steering  south,  with  steering  sails  set,  two  hours  and 
n  half,  when  we  completely  succeeded  in  dismantling  her;  previous- 
ly to  her  dropping  entirely  out  of  the  action,  there  were  intervals 
of  minutes  when  the  ships  were  broadside  nnd  broadside  in  which 
she  did  not  fire  a  gun ;  at  this  period  (half  past  8  o'clocli)  although 
dark,  the  other  ships  of  the  squadron  were  in  sight,  and  almost  with- 
in gun  shot;  we  were  of  course  compelled  to  abandon  her.  In  re* 
suming  our  former  course  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the  squadron, 
we  were  compelled  to  present  oui  stern  to  our  antagonist ;  but  such 
was  his  state,  though  we  were  thus  exposed  and  within  range  of  his 
guns,  for  half  an  hour,  that  he  did  not  avail  himself  of  this  favoura- 
ble opportunity  of  raking  us.  We  continued  this  course  until  1 1 
o'clock,  when  two  fresh  ships  of  the  enemy  (the  Pomona  and  Tene- 
dos)  had  come  up.  The  Pomona  bad  opened  her  fire  on  the  lar- 
board bow,  within  musket  shot;  the  other ^about  two  cables  length 
astern,  taliing  a  raking  position  on  our  qaarter,  and  the  rest  (with 
the  exception  of  the  Endymion)  within  gun  sliot.  Thus  situated, 
with  about  one'  fifth  of  my  crew  killed  and  wounded,  my  ship  cripptrd 
and  a  more  than  fourfold  force  opposed  to  me,  without  a  chance  of 
escape  left,  I  deemed  it  my  duty  to  surrender. 

It  is  witli  emotions  of  pride,  I  bear  testimony  to  the  gallantry  and 
steadiness  of  every  officer  and  man  I  had  the  honor  to  command  on  this 
occasion;  and  I  feel  satisfied  that  the  fact  of  their  having  beaten  a 
force  equal  to  themselves,  in  the  presence  and  almost  under  the  guns 
of  so  vastly  a  superior  force ;  when,  too,  it  was  almost  self-evident, 
that  whatever  their  exertions  might  be,  they  must  ultimately  be  cap- 
tured, will  be  taken  as  evidence  of  what  they  would  have  performed, 
had  the  force  opposed  to  them  been  in  any  degree  equal. 

It  is  with  extreme  pain  I  have  to  inform  you,  that  Lieutenants 
Babbitt,  Hamilton,  and  Howell,  fell  in  the  action.  They  have  left 
no  officers  of  superior  merit  behind  them. 

If,  Sir,  the  issue  of  this  affair  bad  been  fortunate,  I  should  have  felt 
it  my  duty  to  have  recommended  to  your  attention.  Lieutenants 
Sbubrick  and  Gallagher ;  they  maintained  through  the  day  the  repu- 
tation they  had  gained  in  former  actions.  Lieut.  Twiggs,  of  the 
marines,  displayed  great  zeal,  bis  men  were  well  supplied  and  their 
fire  incomparable,  so  Ions  as  the  enemy  continued  within  musket 
range.  Midshipman  Randolph,  who  had  charge  of  the  forecastle  di- 
vision, managed  it  to  my  entire  satisfaction.  From  Mr.  Robinson, 
who  was  serving  as  a  volunteer,  I  received  essential  aid,  particular- 
ly after  I  was  deprived  of  the  services  of  the  master,  and  severe  loss 
I  bad  sustained  in  my  oflQcers  on  the  quarter  deck. 

Of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  unable  at  present  (ogive 
you  a  correct  statement;  the  attention  df  the  surgeon  being  so  en- 


291 

Io«  her  biZnth  folll  ^  ?"'  *''"  «"t»^*rJ.  when  tbit  ship 
which  w^rhii  «n«l  "'ainmaiti,  and  miten  topmaits,  all  of 

nnl  £    »",'^'"ed  and  wounded  must  have  been  very  irreat      I  haVe 

oTbt"d,t^  rrat?  itr^^ri"*-  ?'?  ^^'^  bSX  1  c.™: 

are  oblig^l  to  keen  thoIrM*  "*^"«"')  "'«  badly  wounded,  .uch  «• 
deck  from  thl  /.K?  thoir  cots,  occupy  the  starboard  side  of  the  gun- 
sta^e  ofTh^  th-jabin  bulk-head  to  the  mtinma.t.  Prom  the  crippled 

woundeJl'board/"'  "''°"'  «"P'-«''«""on.  for  the  safety  of  our 

P.W  by'hTn!';o''X*irf  ?nr;ir  "'•\''.:  ''•"*  '^"^  •"«"««"  •«»  •«'- 

I  have,  Sic. 
Hon.  B.  W.  Cron,ninskieia,  Sec.  Navy.'*'^^'*"''''  DECATUR. 

British  squadron  referred  to  in  the  above  letter. 


Miyestic,  (razee)    - 
Endymion,  frigate, 
Pomona,        do. 
Teiiedos,        do. 
Dispatch,  brig. 


C2  guns. 
50  guns. 


List  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  President  in  the  above 


action. 


Killed    - 
Wounded 


24 
^5 


Total     79    killed  and  wounded. 

(About  this  time,  Port  Bowyer  was  surrendered  to  the  BritUl.  • 
the  garrison  consisted  of  370~the  enemy,  6OOO0  "   ' 


\    ' 


292 

CAPTURF  OP  THE  CYANE  AND  LEVANT. 

Copjf  of  a  letter  from  Lieut.  Hoffman  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Nam/,  dated 

His  B.  Ai.  ]ate  Ship  Cyane, 

New-York,  April  10,  1815. 
SIR-i-I  have  the  honor  to  inform  yon,  that  on  the  evening  of  the 
20th  February  last,  while  cruising  off  Madeira,  the   United  States 
frigate  Constitution  fell  iu  with  His  B.  M.  ships  Cyane  and  Levant, 
which  she  captured  after  an  action  of  fifty  minutes. 

The  Cyane  is  a  frigate  built  ship,  mounting  34  carriage  guns,  viz. 
22  321b.  carronadeB  on  the  main-deck — 8  181b.  carrouades  on  the 
quarter-deck — 2  iSlb.carronades  and  two  long  nines  on  the  forecas- 
tle, and  from  the  best  information  1  could  obtain,  carrying  a  compli- 
ment of  1 75  men,  commanded  by  Gordon  Falcon,  Esq.  The  Le- 
vant mounting  21  carriage  guns,  viz — 18  241b.  carronades — 2  long 
nines  and  a  shifting  12  pr.  on  the  top-gallant  forcastle,  with  a  com- 
pliment of  150  men;  commanded  by  the  Hon.  George  Douglass. 
Both  ships  suffered  severely  in  their  spars,  rigging,  and  sails ;  the 
Constitution  received  but  trifling  injury,  having  only  four  men  killed 
and  10  wounded;  as  to  the  loss  of  the  enemy  1  cannot  positively 
say,  but  should  presume  it  was  very  severe. 

On  tlie  0th  of  March,  the  Constitution  with  her  two- prizes  in  com- 
pany, anchored  off  the  Isle  of  May,  (one  of  the  Cape-de-Verd  Isl- 
ands.) On  the  loth,  «t  5,  A.  M.  got  under  way  and  made  sail  for 
St.  Jago's,  where  we  anchored  at  10.45  A.  M.  on  the  12th,  at  half 
past  meridian,  discovered  three  sail  in  the  offing;  at  1. 10  made  them 
to  be  frigates,  at  which  time  the  Constitution  made  signal  to  get  un- 
der way ;  at  1.20  cut  our  cable  and  made  sail  to  the  southward  and 
eastward  close  on  a  wind ;  at  1.30  the  forts  on  shore  commenced  firing 
on  us;  at  2.  the  Constitution  made  a  signal  to  tack,  which  1  did  to 
the  northward  and  westward;  at  2.5  the  aterniriost  frigate  com- 
menced firing  on  us,  and- hoisted  English  colours,  distant  about  two 
miles;  at  2.20  lost  sight  of  the  Constitution  and  Levant,  who  were 
standing  on  a  wind  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  the  frigates  in 
chase ;  at  2.35  lost  sight  of  the  enemy ;  at  3,  heard  a  heavy  can- 
nonading, which  continued  at  intervals  until  half  past  4;  at  sun 
down  shaped  my  course  for  ti.e  United  States.  For  the  further  par- 
ticulars of  our  cruise.  I  beg  to  refer  you  to  Captain  Stewart's  official 
account  on  his  arrival  in  the  United  States. 

I  cannot  conclude  my  letter  without  particulaHy  recommending 
to  your  notice.  Midshipman  Joseph  Cross,  for  whose  unremitted  ex- 
ertions and  attention  I  feel  myself  greatly  indebted ;  and  he  is  a 
young  man,  I  think,  who  would  do,  honor  to  a  commission. 

As  to  Midshipmen  James  Delany  and  James  F.  Curtis,  and  the 
few  men  1  have  under  my  command,  words  would  be  insufficient  to 
express  my  gratitude  to  them. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

„      „  ,  B.  T.  HOFFMAN. 

Hon.  B.  W.  Crotvnimhield,  Sec.  Navy. 


293 
GUN-BOATS  TAKEN  BY  THE  ENPMv 

detailed  account  of  the  action  beTween^t'hJ^*'"'^  Jonei,  giving  a 
command,  and  a  flotilla  of  th»  ..  J^  f  ^  ^°*  S""*  vesuels  under  his 
i4th  December,  1814  wMcl  .r?^"^  '  '''""'^''«"  "^  barges7oJ  the 
nated  as  stated  in  my  leUer If  the'l'tTn  «""!"*  'f «»tance. ter^! 
our  squadron.  The^couragf  and  ,li ,  ii^^t"''"' '"  *''«  ««?*•"«  of 
defence  of  the  gun  vesseKd  tend  "  ^^^  ''^'  ^p^pJayed  in  the 
agamst  such  an  overwhelming  force  a,  tfc"K^  V*"«^'^  °^  «""«' 
reflects  additional  splendor  on  our  n«t.i  ^  *""^  **»  ^^^^^^nd  with, 
mlnish  the  regret  occ^siore J  brtheTr  ll*'*'''^'  *°^  *"''  '  ^^''t'  ^i-' 

I  have,  &c. 
ff<«.  B.  nr.  Cron^ninshieU,  Sec>'o?K;;^TTERSON. 

SIR-Havingsufficientlvrec!!'"'"?^'""'  '2'*  i»f«rc*,  1815. 
honor  of  reportfngTo  yo„  fhe  narti^^^^^  "V'^'^Sth,  I  do  myself  the 
»ion  of  United  Stites  gS^-boaf  ""j!?; '*"/  the  capture  of  the  di^! 

Onthcl2thDecemL  lSi4    lii  r*'  '■"^-*'°""''»nd. 
had  increased  to  such  a  f^rj     a's  o'^Jri  ^^ff *  ^^  S^ip-Isiand, 
dent  for  me  to  continue  in  that  Jart  of  fhJT  ?  '""S*"*  «'''"«  or  pru- 
force  which  I  commanded.    I  thSore  det.^;-""'.  7"^  *"«  »«"«» 
Hon  near  the  Malhereux  Islanrf.  «  determined  to  gain  a  sta- 

vrould  better  enab^re^o  ople  J  Se'r'S^^l"*'.  "^^^*  «""'»t t 
«P  the  Lakes,  and  at  the  samrtimeSS T"     ''"°"  °^*''««°«'"J^ 

l-d^*eft\^  fl?et,7sWing1h^  a^^ge  flotilla  of  barges 

^hichl  supposed  iobe^^^bSlon  o7/''  '""'•^"'^  <^^""«««") 
at  that  place.     About  3,  P  M    ihl    °°  of  troops  intended  to  land 
the  Pass  Christian,  and  co„« '    J^  l"-*"^  '  ^°""«  having  ga  Jed 
convinced  me  tha  an  at?S  "n  Jh.""  ^""'^^  *°  the  wlstwa^ 
At  this  time  the  ivater  in  the  Lai.!  !"""*"'"*^  ""^^  ^^^i'  desiw  -! 

wh-'r^f/^"^  wind  which  ha J^ptvaS  Z"'"""'^^  '°^'  «'"^"g 
which  still  continued  from  «.«  =-  '"'  *  number  of  davs  an«l 

163,  although  in  the  be^t  ih.  "*?  *^""*«'"'  ^os.  156,  162  S 
water  than  fheir  dr^ghtf ever^e"^;/"""'  '"  '^  «'  ^«  '"«"««  fe, 
''^throwing  overboard  all  art^s  o?  ^1"^.'?^*'^  ***  ^''  *»'«•"  «floa 
with.  At  3  30,  the  flood  ti,  L  h L  '^''*  **•"*  ««"'d  be  dispensed 
making  the  bes  of  mylav  tow»r1  TJ"^ ""«*' '  ««t  under  SS 
the  enemy  dispatched  rhreeboa^So'fr*"^^^''"'"^-  ^rs  55,' 
Ho.e,  Which  had  been  sent  ^iX^^L^^tTZ^ 


-.»i««*tA2i«.-_«.__,._  ,^. j»(tt^i"i"- 


"*^^-—^..jm^'-^..„>.^ 


294 


to  assist  in  (be  reuioval  of  the  public  stores  which  I  had  preTiousIy 
ordered}  these  finding  a  removal  impracticable,  I  ordered  prepara^ 
tions  to  be  made  for  their  destruction,  least  they  should  fall  into  the 
enemy's  hands.  A  few  discharges  of  grape  shot  from  the  schooner 
Sea-Horse,  compelled  the  three  boats  which  had  attacked  her,  to 
retire  out  of  the  reach  of  her  gun,  until  they  were  joined  by  four 
othem,  when  the  attack  was  recommenced  by  the  seven  boats. — 
Mr.  Johnson  having  chosen  an  advantageous  position,  near  the  two 
six-pounders  on  the  bank,  maintained  a  sharp  action  for  near  thirty 
minutes,  when  tlie  enemy  hauled  off,  hjEiving  one  boat  apparently 
much  injured,  and  with  the  loss  of  several  men  killed  and  wounded. 
At  7  ^0,  an  explosion  at  the  Bay,  and  soon  after  a  large  fire,  indu- 
ced me  to  believe  the  Sea-Horse  was  blown  up,  and  the  public  store 
house  set  on  fire,  as  was  the  fact. 

About  1,  A'  AX-  on  the  14tb,  the  wind  having  died  away,  and  our 
vessels  become  unmanageable,  came  to  anchor  in  the  west  end  of 
Malbereux  Island's  passage.  At  daylight  next  morning,  still  a  per- 
fect calm,  the  enemy's  flotilla  was  about  nine  miles  from  us,  at 
anchor,  but  soon  got  in  motion,  and  rapidly  advanced  towards  us. — 
The  want  of  wind,  and  the  strong  ebb  tide  which  was  setting 
through  the  Pass,  left  me  but  one  alternative,  which  was,  to  put  my 
vesseln  in  the  most  advantageous  position  to  give  the  enemy  as  warm 
a  reception  as  possible.  The  commanders  were  all  called  on  board 
and  made  acquainted  with  my  intentions,  and  the  position  which 
each  vessel  was  to  take,  the  whole  to  form  a  close  line  abreast 
across  the  channel,  anehored  by  the  stern,  %vith  springs, on  the 
cables,  &c.  &c.  Thus  ive  remained  anxiously  waiting  an  attack 
front  the  advancing  foe,  whose  force  I  now  clearly  distinguished  to 
be  composed  of  forty-two  heavy  launches  and  gun  barges,  with 
three  light  giggs,  manned  with  upwards  of  one  thousand  men  and 
officers.  About  9  30,  the  Alligator  (tender)  which  was  to  the  south- 
ward and  eastward,  and  endeavoring  to  join  the  division,  lyas  cap- 
tured by  several  of  the  enemy's  barges,  when  the  whole  flotilla 
came  to,  with  their  grapnels  a  little  out  of  the  reach  of  our  shot, 
apparently  making  arrangements  for  the  attack.  At  10  30,  the 
enemy  weighed,  forming  a  line  abreast  in  open  order,  and  steering 
direct  for  9ur  line,  whieh  was  unfortunately,  in  some  degree,  broken 
by  the  force  of  the  current  driving  Nos.  156  and  163  about  100 
yards  in  advance. 

As  soon  as  the  enemy  came  within  reach  of  our  shot,  a  deliberate 
fire  from  our  long  guns  was  opened  upon  him,  but  without  much 
effect,  the  ol^ects  being  of  so  small  a  size.  At  10  minutes  before 
11,  the  enemy  opened  a  fire  from  the  whole  of  his  line,  when  the 
action  became  general  and  destructive  on  both  sideso  About  11  49, 
the  advance  boats  of  the  enemy,  three  in  Kumber,  attempted  to 
board  No.  156,  but  were  repulsed  with  the  loss  of  nearly  every  offi- 
cer killed  or  wounded,  and  two  boats  sunk — a  necond  attempt  to 
board  was  then  made  by  four  other  boats,  which  shared  almost  a 
similar  fate.    At  this  moment  I  received  a  severe  wound  in  my  left 


295 
unabating  severity  untiT/o  mU^l^''   tTs  nt.  T  «°""°V«d  ^"'^ 

1  have,  &e. 

Captain  D.  T.  Patterson,  '''"'''•  ^^^  <^^TESBY  JONES. 
Com'dg.  U.  S.  naval  forces  New-Orloans  station 

Statement  of  tiie  effective  force  of  a  divhion  of  the  U  St»,. 
gun-boat8.  under  the  command  of  Lieut.   Thomas  An    r«/  I 
.Tones,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  wi?h  a  floliUa  of  P„ '' 
Iish  gun-boats,  on  the  14th  December  laij    ti,    r  .    "S" 

T    .  ^'■"".P®-  *•"•  0- JONES, 
were  engaged  1„  the  cap.  JTrelaJt  United  S,?."''' "i'''"* 

S  s-^ij-u  i??rr  •  -"  «•'■■ "-  "".»-^^^^^ 

.0  '•-»*-»JJ-'S;j.[?ou„ti„,o„ec.„„„.doeaoh,„f  „,  ,» 

1  la.  nch  mounting  one  long  brass  12  pounder, 

I       do.         do.  do.  0     do 

3  giggs  with  small  arms  only. 

Total  number  of  boats,  45 

rrn.      u        ^'°*'''  number  of  cannon,  42 

J  he  above  flotilla  was  manned  with  twelve  hnnH^o.!  .v, 

IHOS.  A  P.  C.  JONES. 


